Price, 23 Cents 




PUBLISHED BY 

The* Dr^amatic Publishing Comp^\nt 

CH^VRLES H 3^R.GEL. . PRESIDENT 



Practical Instructions for 
Private Theatricals 

BvW.D, EMERSON 

Author of "A Country Eomance/' ''The Unknown Bival '* 
'* Humble Pie," etc. ' 



Price, 25 cents 



Here is a practical hand-book, describing in detail all th« 
accessories, properties, scenes and apparatus necessary for an 
amateur production. In addition to the descriptions in words, 
everything is clearly shown in the numerous pictures, more 
than one hundred being inserted in the book. No such useful 
book has ever been offered to the amateur players of any 
country, 

CONTENTS 

Chapter I. Introductory Remarks. 

Chapter 11. Stage, How to Make, etc. In drawing-rooms 
or parlors, with sliding or hinged doors. In a single large 
room. The Curtain; how to attach it, and raise it, etc. 

Chapter III. Arrangement of Scenery. How to hang it. 
Drapery, tormentors, wings, borders, drops. 

Chapter IV. Box Scenes. Center door pieces, plain wings, 
door wings, return pieces, etc. 

Chapter V. How to Light the Stage. Oil, gas and electric 
Jight. Footlights, Sidelights, Eeflectors. How to darken the 
stage, etc. 

Chapter VI. Stage Effects. Wind, Eain, Thunder, Break- 
ing Glass, Falling Buildings, Snow, Water, Waves, Cascades, 
Passing Trains, Lightning, Chimes, Sound of Horses' Hoofs, 

fihots. 

Chapter VII. Scene Painting. 
Chapter VIII. A Word to the Property Man. 
Chapter IX. To the Stage Manager. 
Chapter X. The Business Manager. 

Address Orders to 
THE DRAMATIC PUBLISHING COMPANY 

CHICAGO. ILLINOIS 



HER GLOVES 



A FARCE 
IN THREE ACTS 



By 
ANTHONY E. WILLS 

Author of "Hurley's Ranch," 
"Blundering Billy." Etc. 



I 



CHICAGO 

THE DRAMATIC PUBLISHING COMPANY 

L 1 ■ ; i 



CAST OF CHARACTERS. \^ 



Walter Dillingham, a dealer in real estate, Comedy lead. 
Jefferson Euggles, his father-in-law, Character. 
Robert Slocum, a friend of the family. Juvenile. 
Charley Brooks^ a neighbor. Comedy. 
Jim Ryan, a theatrical manager, Comedy. 
Mrs. Ruggles, wife of Jefferson, OM woman. 
Blanche Dillingham, wife of Walter, Lead, ^ 
Dora Ruggles, in love with Slocum, Ingenue. 
Elizabeth Brooks, wife of Charley, Comedy. 
Valeska Bijou, a leading lady. Comedy. 

Five Male — Five Female. 

The action of the farce takes place in the home of the 
Dillinghams, New Rochelle, New York, during the month 
of May. 

ACT I 

A PAIR OF GLOVES 
(Afternoon) 

ACT II 
THEY ARE LOST 

{A few minutes later) 

ACT Til 

THEY ARE FOUND AGAIN 

{Next morning) 

Copyright, 1910, by The Dramatic Publishing Company. 

Both professional and amateur actors are warned not to 
perform this play until they have the written permission 
of the publishers. The royalty fee is five dollars for each 
performance, payable in advance. 

^ ©Cf;D -229 03 



HER GLOVES. 

ACT THE FIRST. 

Scene: Living room in the home of the DilUnghams, 
New Rochelle. Neiv York. Large double door c, with 
portieres. French window R. 3. Door R. 1. Doors l. 1 
and L. 3. Tivo screens, one on either side of door c. 
Lady's desk and chair against wall R. between door and 
French windoiv. Pen, ink and paper on desk. Several 
new blotters on table l. c. Parlor table and three chairs 
L. c. Couch R. c. Small hand mirror on table L. c. Hall- 
stand and hat-rack in hall-way. Bell-rope against wall l. 
Pictures on wall. Bric-a-brac to dress. Carpet down. It 
is about five o'clock in the afternoon. 

[^At rise, Blanche Dillingham, about tiventy-eight 
years of age, neatly dressed, discovered looking from French 
window. DoRxi Douglas^ aged sixteen, a pretty, vivacious 
girl, wearing a house dress, covered by a kitchen apron, her 
sleeves rolled up, is seated at table, reading a letter.'] 

[Rumble of thunder heard off R.] 

Dora. [Starting.'] My! How that frightened me ! 

Blanche. [Nervously looking from ivindow.~\ I do 
hope nothing has happened ! [Then turning on Dora, 
angrily.] Oh, how can you sit there and read love let- 
ters at a time when your poor dad may be battling for 
his very life on the stormy sea? 

Dora. [Piqued.} You always look at the dark side 

3 



4 HEE GLOVES 

of everything. We should have heard the bell in the light- 
house had anything happened. [Up.] Besides, I began 
to think something the matter with Bob, until I received 
this letter. 

Blanche. He's better, then? 

Dora. Hasn't been ill. 

Blanche. [Surprised.] No? Then why — ? 

Dora. He writes: [Reading from letter.] "Been head 
over heels in work, getting ready for the exams and the 
school play, which was successfully pulled off last night 
at the local opera house. All the girl parts were played 
by fellows, and as the leading lady, they all say I made 
the hit of the night.'' 

Blanche. [With sarcasm.] I always understood they 
attended college to — 

[Peal of thunder.] 

Blanche. [Quickly up to window.] Good gracious! 
Did you hear that? 

Dora. [Looking over her shoulder.] Don't be fright- 
ened, Blanche. It's only a thunder storm. 

Blanche. [Sighs.] Perhaps I am unnecessarily 
alarmed. [Then icitli effort.] When does Bob finish his 
term ? 

Dora. He's through already and returns — [Looking at 
letter.\ Let me see — what does he say? [Finding place 
and reading.] "Almost as soon as this letter." [Quickly.] 
Why he may be in town this very moment. [Looking down 
at dress.] And if he should call and catch me looking 
like this ! [Holds hands above head in dismay.] 

Mrs. Euggles. [Heard off l. Calling.] Dora ! Dora ! 

Blanche. [Quickly.] Mama's calling you. 

Dora. [Hiding letter.] Please don't tell her about this 
letter. You know what she thinks of Bob. 



HER GLOVES 5 

[Enter Mrs. Euggles, aged about fifty, a large woman, 

stern of manner, wearing a kitchen ayron over her 

house dress, her sleeves rolled u^.\ 

Mrs. Ruggles. [Sharply to Dora.] Oh, here you are ! 
And I've been waiting for you to peel the potatoes. What- 
ever detained you? 

Dora. [Quietly.] Why — nothing, Mama. 

^Irs. Ruggles. a fine excuse, I must say. Well, you 
get to the kitchen as quick as you can. 

Dora. [Pouting at door l.] Gee, I wish we had a 
servant! [Ojf l. 1.] 

Mrs. Euggles. [Looking after her.] And so do I. 
I can't imagine why that employment agency hasn't sent 
us an applicant as yet. They're usually very prompt. 

Blaxche. [Looking from ivindoiv.] You know how 
reluctant girls are to accept out-of-town positions. 

Mrs. Ruggles. And I can't much blame them. Why 
your father had to move us all out here is a mystery I've 
never fathomed. City life never appealed to me — until 
we came to this mournful place. 

[Peal of thunder.] 

Blanche. [Starts and peers from windotv.] Oh, why 
— why don't they come? 

Mrs. Ruggles. [Comforting her.] There, there, dear 
— don't worry. The storm's delayed them a bit. The 
fishing may have been good and — 

Blanche. [Nervously.] But you forget Walter can't 
swim. 

Mrs. Ruggles. And neither can your dad, for that 
matter. 

Blanche. Don't you see — supposing the yacht should 
capsize ! 



6 HEE GLOVES 

Mrs. EuGGLES. [Gives a cry.] Mercy, Blanche ? What 
a thought to enter your head ! 

Blanche. [Brohe?}!!/.] I just can't help it. Walter 
seemed to have a premonition something terrible would 
happen, for he insisted upon my remaining at home. 

Mrs. Ruggles. And your father ! Your father refused 
to let me go ! 

[Thunder heard off.] 

Blanche. Do you remember how nervous they both 
were? [Wringing hands.] Why — oh, why — don't they 
come ? 

Mrs. Euggles. [On tip-toes, anxiously looking off.] 
Can't you see anything of them ? 

Blanche. It's so foggy, I can't even make out the 
landing. 

Mrs. Ruggles. [Quickly taking telescope from desk 
and up to window.] Let me see. [Peers through tele- 
scope.] 

[Thunder continues.] 

Blanche. [Anxiously.] Well— does that help any? 
Mrs. Euggles. [Busy with telescope.] No. I can't 
see at all with this rig-a-ma-jig. 

[Enter Dora hurriedly from l. 1, a bandage in l. hand 
and holding out fore-finger of R.] 

Dora. [Crying.] Mama! Mama! I've cut my finger! 

Mrs. Ruggles. [Quickly.] No! [Then putting tele- 
scope on desk, and quickly over to Dora.] You poor dear ! 
Let me see. [Examines her finger.] 

Dora. [Brokenly.] The knife slipped, and instead of 
cutting the potato — 

Mrs. Euggles. [Sympathetically.] You cut your 



HER GLOVES 7 

finger. I know how it is ! It's happened to me hundreds 
of times. [Commences to bandage finger. 1 

Blaxche. [Looking from tvindow.] Nothing but 
fog ! fog ! fog ! 

Dora. [Whining.] And nothing but work! work! 
work ! Since we've no servant. 

Mrs. Euggles. There, there, we'll overcome that too, 
presently. 

[Doorbell rings below.'] 

Blanche. [QuicUij.] Who can that be ? 

Mrs. Euggles. Probably the men folks. 

Blanche. [Overjoijed.] That's right. They may 
have landed at another pier. Oh why didn't I think of it 
before. [Quickhj off c. going R.] 

Mrs. Euggles. [Finishing bandaging.'] Blanche is so 
nervous. I knew nothing could have happened. There 
— now you're right. 

Dora. [Kissing her.] Good, dear mama. 

[Enter Blanche, door c] 

Blanche. [Sorrowfully.] It's only Mr. Slocum! 

[Enter Egbert Slocum, a college student, about twenty 

years of age, wearing college hat, tan shoes, summer 

suit, stock and carrying a suit-case.] 

Dora. [Espying him.] Bob! 

Slocum. [Dropping suit-case and throwing arms about 
her.] Dora ! 

Mrs. Euggles. [Haughtily draws away l.] 

Slocum. [Over to Mrs. Kvggles— offering hand.] 
How are you, Mrs. Euggles? 

Mrs. Euggles. [Coldly.] Very well, sir. 

Slocum. [Business.] 

Dora. When did you get in? 



8 HER GLOVES 

Slocum. Just landed. Came up to spend Saturday 
and Sunday. 

Dora. Pshaw — can't you remain longer? 

Slocum. [^Looking at Mrs. Ruggles.] Well, Fd like 
to, and it all depends on — 

Dora. \To Mrs. Ruggles.] Bob can use the spare 
room up-stairs, eh mama? 

Mrs. Ruggles. [Endeavoring to hide her anger.] 
I suppose so, my dear. 

Slocum. [Protesting.] Oh, I don't want to put you 
out any. 

Mrs. Ruggles. [With flashing eyes.] Not at all. 

Slocum. Very well, then. Since you insist, why I 
can't very well refuse. 

Blanche. [Takes suit-case.] I'll take this up for you. 
l^Exits C. going L.] 

Slocum. [To Dora.] And now you must tell me the 
news. How are things? 

Dora. [Sadly.] Not good. [Holding up bandaged 
finger.] Look at this ! I just cut my finger. 

Mrs. Ruggles. We're very much dissatisfied with our 
new home. 

Slocum. I'm sorry to hear that. And the men folks? 

Mrs. Ruggles. Are always out sailing. 

Slocum. [Surprised.] Then you've got a sailboat, 
too? 

Dora. Sure — over a week now. A thirty footer. 
Walter's. 

Slocum. By jove, he must have struck it rich ! 

Mrs. Ruggles. Might better have saved his money. 

Dora. [Confidentially.] You know there's a big 
boom on Pleasure Island. 

Slocum. So I've read in the New York papers. 

Dora. And Walter's been selling his lots like hot cakes. 



HER GLOVES 9 

[Enter Blanche hurriedly door c] 

Blanche. [Joyfully.] It's all right! [Hurries to 
window.] 

Mrs. Ruggles. [Anxiously.] You've seen them? 

Blanche. [Looking ojf.] From the upper window. 

Mrs. Ruggles. []Vho has tal-en up telescope. Looking 
through same from window.] Yes, yes — they've put up 
alongside the landing. 

Dora. I'm so relieved. 

Slocum. Think I'll romp down and welcome them. 
Walter will be surprised. 

Dora. Yes, yes. 

Slocum. Haven't seen the old chap in six months. 

Blanche. [Looking from window.] Better take an 
umbrella. It's begun to sprinkle. 

Dora. I'll loan you mine. [Quickly off i.. 1.] 

Mrs. Ruggles. [Looking off.] My! How foggy! I 
can't make out anything but a great white spot. 

Blanche. [Looking off.] The sail! 

[Enter Dora from l. 1 with umbrella.] 

Dora. [Handing to Slocum.] Here you are. 

Slocum. [Taking it.] Thanks. Xow how do I get to 
the landing? 

Dora. [Poiriting to window.] Cut right across the 
lawn and — 

Blanche. [Turning.] No, no — you'll get your feet 
wet. Better take the gravel path at the rear of the house. 

Dora. That's so. [At door c] Come on. I'll show 
you the way. [Ojf door c, going L.] 

Slocum. You're a dear. [Follows her off.] 

Mrs. Ruggles. [Placing telescope on desk.] I wish 
Dora wouldn't make such a fuss over Mr. Slocum. 



10 . HEK GLOVES 

Blanche. [Down to couch arid seating.] Why, mama 
— he's an estimable young man. 

Mrs. Euggles. And without money. I haven't forgot- 
ten the struggle you had with Walter the first years of your 
married life. 

Blanche. But hasn't it come out all right ? 

Mrs. Euggles. [Conceitedly.] Well, yes— simply be- 
cause he followed my advice. But if I have my way, Dora 
will marry a man of means. 

[It begins to rain without.] 

Blanche. [Quickly up to ivindow.] Hello! — it's 
started to rain. [Then suddenly.] And just look ! 

Mrs. Euggles. [Up to ivindow, looking off.] \\Tiy, 
it's your dad and Walter ! 

Blanche. And on a dead run ! 

Mrs. Euggles. I didn't think it in your father. 
[Coming down c] I suppose he'll have his old rheumatic 
pains again tonight. 

Blanche. [Calling of.] Hurry Walter, hurry! 

[Enter Walter Dillingham, a smooth-shaven, good look- 
ing man about thirty, wearing a soiled pair of white 
duck trousers, jacket with coat collar turned up 
and a soft hat well pulled down over his eyes.] 

Walter. [Breathlessly.] Blanche! [Throws arms 
about her.] 

Blanche. [Drawing away.] My ! but you're wet ! Let 
me get you another coat. [Off l. 1.] 

Mrs. Euggles. I advised you not to go fishing. Where's 
Jefferson? [Up to window.] Oh — ^he's here! 



HER GLOVES 11 

[Enter Jefferson Ruggles, a short, white-haired genii c- 

man, with side whiskers, wearing a sailor's oil coat 

and hat, both dripping wet and carrying a string 

of two or three small fish.'] 

Mrs. Euggles. [Drawing away.'] Jefferson ! Jeffer- 
son! 

Jefferson. [Looking himself over.] I know, my 
dear, but I can't help it. [Breathlessly to Walter.] I'll 
bet I broke all records up to a quarter of a mile making 
that sprint. 

Mrs. Euggles. [Assisting him off luith oil coat, under 
iMch he has another jacket.] I hope you didn't catch cold. 

Jefferson. Nothing like it, my dear. Nothing like it. 

Walter. [Has removed hat and coat and is shaking 
latter.] 

Mrs. Euggles. [Sharply.] Be careful, Walter ! Don't 
get that all over the carpet. You know we're without a 
servant. 

Walter. [Stopping.] Oh, you've told me that a hun- 
dred times since yesterday. 

[Enter Blanche imth smoking jacket.] 

Blanche. Here you are. [Helping him on with it.] 
Feel comfy? 

Walter. You bet. 

Blanche. [Taking other coats, etc.] I'll dry these by 
the kitchen fire. 

Jefferson. And you might fry these for dinner. I'm 
as hungry as a bear. [Holds up string of fish.] 

Mrs. Euggles. And there isn't enough to feed a cat. 

Blanche. [Taking fish.] You surely didn't have 
much luck. [Exits l. 1.] 



12 HER GLOVES 

Jefferson. [Significantly nudging Walter. Aside.] 
Didn't we, though? 

Mrs. Euggles. [Seating chair R. of taMe.] 

Dora. [On from c, surprised.] Hello! Bob missed 
you, after all. 

Walter. Bob? Why, what — 

Dora. Nothing — only Bob Sloeum arrived and went 
to the landing to surjDrise you. 

Walter. Too bad we didn't see him. 

Jefferson. [Breathlessly.^ We traveled so fast we 
didn't see anything. 

Dora. Poor boy ! — he went by the gravel path. [At 
window — looking off.] I'm afraid he's going to get dread- 
fully wet. 

Mrs. Euggles. [Who has hecn tapping fingers on 
tahle.] Well? 

Jefferson. [Turning.] Well — what ? 

Mrs. Euggles. Haven't you a word to say about your 
trip? 

Jefferson. Oh, yes — our trip. There's little to say. 

Mrs. Euggles. [Haughtily.] Eeally? 

Jefferson. The fact is, we fished and fished and — 
well, that's about all we did do. 

Mrs. Euggles. I don't see why you objected to our 
accompanying you? 

Jefferson. Xow, my dear, what fun is there for 
women folks in fishing ? 

Mrs. Euggles. We could at least have watched you — 
kept you company. 

Walter. That's just it. I explained everything this 
morning. Your talking would have scared the fish away. 

Mrs. Euggles. [Up. Indignant.] My talking? 

Jefferson. [Quiclcly.] Anyho^y'^ talking, my dear — 
anybody's. 



HER GLOVES IS 

Walter. We thought by going alone we'd have better 
luck. 

Mes. Euggles. Looked upon me, I suppose, as a hoo- 
doo. Well, from the number of fish you caught, your 
thought wasn't good for much. 

Walter. Well, if it's going to make all this difference, 
next time — 

Mrs. Ruggles. I don't care anyx^T^g aijuxif next time. 
I wanted to go to-day. [Bmies eyes in /ian^z-^rc/iie/.-|, 

Jefferson. [Aside to Walter.] Can you bee.t that? 
[The7i endeavoring to quiet her.] There, there, my dear. 
I'm sorry we didn't take you. [Winking at Walter.] 
We missed your delightful company — and didn't have any 
fun, after all; did we, Walter? 

Walter. [Winl-ing back at him.] Not a bit. It was 
an experiment — but never again for mine. 

Jefferson. To-morrow we'll all go — eh, Walter ? 

Mrs. Ruggles. [Drying eyes.] Honest? 

Jefferson. [His arms about her.] Honest! 

Dora. [Looking from windoiv.] Bob managed to 
board the yacht, but I can't understand what detains him. 

Walter. [Going to ivindow. Looking over her shoul- 
der.] Probably sizing her up. He'll be here presently. 

Mrs. Ruggles. [To Dora.] Better finish the potatoes, 
Dora. Goodness only knows at what hour we'll have dinner 
to-night. 

Dora. Yes, mama. [Off l. 1.] 

Walter. [Looking at hands.] In the meantime I'll l)c 
washing up a bit. [Crosses to l. 3.] 

Jefferson. [Looking at his hands.] A good idea ! 
Me, too ! [Follows him.] 

Mrs. Ruggles. But for pity's sake don't be long. You 
know I dislike Mr. Slocum, and it's embarrassing for me 
to entertain him. 



14 HER GLOVES 

Walter. [Exits l. 3.] 

Jefferson. [At door l. 3— throwing her a kiss.] Just 
a moment, my butterfly. [Oj^" l. 3.] 

Mrs. Euggles. [All seniles, looking after him.] Isn't 
he the dear? [Then over to window.] 

[Enter BL^-^HE from L. 1.] 

-^^^ JJCGGT^- Oh, I'm so glad 3^ou're here. Mr. Slo- 
-- urn's rp^-^i'iiing- I'll leave you to do the talking. 
[Ffiter Slocum from window, his umbrella dripping.] 

Slocum. Well, I missed them. [The7i observing um- 
brella.] Gee !— what'll I do with this ? 

Blanche. I'll take it. [Relieves him of umbrella, 
taking it off l. 1.] 

Slocum. Thank you. There's wasn't a soul on board. 
She's a dandy, though. Looked her over, and am just 
dying for a sail. [Then suddenly.] Oh, say, I nearly for- 
got to give you these. [Draws forth a pair of long, light- 
colored lady's gloves.] 

Mrs. Euggles. [Looking at them.] Why— what are 
they? 

Slocum. [Holding up gloves.] A pair of lady's gloves, 
I think, — I m not sure. Found them aboard the yacht, 
and thought they belonged to you. 

Mrs. Euggles. [Nonplused.] Why, no— I never owned 
a pair like that in my life. 

Slocum. [Puzzled.] No? 

[Enter Blanche l. 1.] 

Slocum. [To Blanche.] Then perhaps they belong 
to you. 

Blanche. [Glancing at gloves.] Good gracious — no! 
Slocum. [Puzzled.] Could I have made a mistake? 



HER GLOVES 15 

Mrs. Ruggles. [Endeavoring to take gloves.] Let me 
get a closer look. 

Slocum. Never mind— it's all right. We'll say no 
more about them. 

Mrs. Ruggles. [Sharply.] Oh, yes, we will ! And a 
whole lot more! There s =onie deep mystery here. You 
find a pair of lady's gloves on ^VfclUf;J:'g yacht 

Blanche. [Starts.] Walter's yaciix^v 

Mrs. Ruggles. Yes, my dear. [Then to c/^ocujvi..-«j 4 
pair belonging to none of the feminine members iA his 
family — and I believe it only fair that the matter should 
be thoroughly explained. 

Slocum. [Crushed. Aside.] What an ass I am ! I've 
put my foot in it for keeps this time — and I thought it 
would put me in soft. 

Mrs. Ruggles. Come — give me the gloves ! 

Slocum. [Hesitates.] 

Mrs. Ruggles. [Firmly.] Give me them, or never 
again darken the doors of this house ! 

Slocum. Lor' ! [Sadly. Aside.] I'm sorry for you, 
■\\ralter, — sorry for you. [Reluctantly hands her gloves.] 

Mrs. Ruggles. [Looking at gloves.] A dainty hand, 
too. I wonder what she's like ? 

Blanche. [Quickly to Mrs. Ruggles.] Oh, you don't 
mean ? — 

Mrs. Ruggles. My dear, I thought there was some, 
motive for not letting us take the trip— now I'm sure 
of it. They had another woman aboard ! 

Blanche. [Gives a cry and sinks into chair l.] 

Mrs. Ruggles. [Comforting her.] There, there; we'll 
soon learn the truth. 

Slocum. [Down R. Aside.] I guess I'm the original 
''trouble-maker." Oh, why,— why didn't 1 leave the 
blamed old gloves where I found them ? 



jg HER GLOTBS 

BLANCHE. [Brohenly.] Walter ! Walter ! how could 
you deceive me this way ? 

Mrs. Euggles. [Patting her on shoulder.] Hush, 
child; they'll hear you. 

[Eriter Walter and Jefferson l. 3.] 

Walter and Jefferson. L-^uvandng.] Well, well, 
Bobby! [Shahe his hanr^ J ^ ,„ , , ., ,. 

Walter. CAf^^ ^ ^^ ^^^' ^^^^^ ^^^® ^° *^^^ ^ ^^^ 
vapi^c; co-morrow. 
on 1^^" "^ 
Mr'S. Euggles. [Pointedly.] Are you planning another 

''trip" ? 

Walter. [Surprised — coming down l.] Why, I don't 
understand ? 

Jefferson. [Nervously alongside of him.] 

Mrs. Euggles. [With arms folded.] On your trip 
to-day, who accompanied you? 

Jefferson. [Aside. Staggered.] Great Jupiter ! 

Walter. [Nervously — remains silent.] 

Mrs. Euggles. [Sternly.] Well, why don't you 
answer ? 

Walter. [With assumed dignity.'] Madam, I object to 
being questioned in this manner before my wife, my friend 
here [Pointing to Slocum], and this! [Referring to 
Jefferson.] 

Jefferson. [Business.] 

Mrs. Euggles. Your wife is as anxious to know as 
I am. 

Blanche. [Sots loudly.] 

Walter. [Surprised.] Hello! — crying? [Steps to- 
ward her.] My dear — 

Mrs. Euggles. [Confronting him.] Stop! You must 
first answer my question ! 

Walter. [Aside. To Jefferson.] What's up ? 



HEE GLOVES 17 

Jefferson. [Meelitj.] It's all up. 

Mrs. Euggles. Who was on the yacht with you ? 

Walter. You asked me that before. 

Mrs. Euggles. And received no reply. Now, ansv/er it ! 

Walter. [Business.] Well, your husband — my father- 
in-law — [Pointing at Jefferson.] — him! 

Mrs. Euggles. You two alone ? 

Walter. [Meekly.] Yes, ma'am. 

Mrs. Euggles. [To Jefferson.] No one else? 

Jefferson. [MeeJcly.] No, ma'am. 

Mrs. Euggles. You're quite certain ? 

Walter and Jefferson. [Emphatically.] Positive! 

Mrs. Euggles. [Producing pair of gloves and holding 
them up.] Then to whom do these belong? 

Walter and Jefferson. [Turn to look — then both 
start.] Lor' ! 

Mrs. Euggles. [Stamping foot.] Answer me! To 
whom do they belong? 

Walter. Why, to a woman, of course. 

Blanche. [Sohbi7ig.] A woman ! a woman ! 

Jefferson. [Sorrowfully ; wiconsciously imitating 
Blanche.] Yes ! — a woman ! — a woman ! 

Mrs. Euggles. [To Walter.] What woman? 

Walter. [Turning to Jefferson.] What woman ? 

Jefferson. [Business.] Don't aslj me. How should 
I know? 

Mrs. Euggles. Well, you ought to. Mr. Slocum found 
them on the yacht. 

Jefferson and Walter. [Business.] Whow ! 

Slocum. [Pleadingly.] I didn't know, old chap ! 

Mrs. Euggles. [Stamping foot.] Silence! [Then to 
Walter.] You, of course, realize that in these Blanche has 
sufficient grounds for divorce ? 

Walter. [Sorrowfully.] But, my dear, I — 



18 HER GLOVES 

Mrs. Euqgles. I had my suspicions of the trip from 
the first. [With sa?'casm.} You both wanted to be alone. 
We might disturb the fish. [Dangling gloves before them.] 
But how about this fine lady ? 

Walter. [Pulling himself together. With effort.] 
Madam — this has gone far enough ! 

Jefferson. [With quivering voice.] Far enough. 

Walter. I had intended to spare you a recital of the 
details of our trip, but now you shall hear all — 

Jefferson. [In deep bass voice.] Yes ! — all ! 

Walter. [Dramatically.] Everything ! [Then chang- 
ing tone.] We were not alone on the yacht, as you have 
gleaned. 

Mrs. Euggles. [Dangling gloves.] These abomina- 
tions infer as much. 

Walter. [Pointing at gloves. With feeling.] They 
belong to poor Charley's wife. 

Mrs. Euggles. Charley ? And who might Charley be ? 

Jefferson. You don't know Charley? 

Walter. Charley Brooks? [Repeating still louder.] 
Charley Broohs! 

Mrs. Euggles. I'm only anxious to Tcnow about these 
gloves. 

Walter. Charley Brooks is our neighbor — two doora 
below. 

Jefferson. [Loudly.] And his wife is — 

Mrs. Euggles. [Anxiously.] Yes, yes? 

Jefferson. [After an instant's pause. Quietly.] His 
wife — 

Blanche. [Rising.] Oh, it's plain they are endeavor- 
ing to gain time. [To Mrs. Euggles.] Come, mother; 
let's leave this roof forever. 

Jefferson and Walter. [Restraining them.] No, 
no ; — don't do anything rash. 



HER GLOVES 10 

Mrs. Euggles. Then why don't you explain? 

Walter. Because you won't give me the chance. It 
was this way. You women folks have been complaining 
about the yacht ever since I bought it. 

Mrs. Euggles and Blanche. And not without reason. 

"Walter. Therefore I decided to sell the blamed thing, 
unbeknown to you; and so when Charley — 

Jeffersox. We always call him Charley. 

Walter. [Continumg.] When Charley made me the 
offer and wanted to take a trial sail, I couldn't very well 
refuse him — could I ? 

Jefferson. Could we? 

Walter. I set to-day as the time, and told you we were 
going on a fishing trip, — don't you see? 

Jefferson. It's all very simple — plain as day. 

Walter. And when he brought his wife along, I could- 
n't very well refuse to let her accompany us; — now hon- 
estly, could I ? 

Jefferson. Of course not ! 

Blanche. [Meelly.] Well, I don't see why you should 
have been so secretive about selling the yacht? 

Jefferson. What do women folks know about business 
matters, anyway ? 

Mrs. Euggles. Enough to realize the peculiarities of 
this transaction. What price did he pay ? 

Walter. Nothing — 

Jefferson. The deal fell through. 

Mrs. Euggles. [Pointedly.] Oh, I see. Then you 
had your whole trip for nothing. [Then, after a pause.] 
I don't believe I ever had the pleasure of meeting this 
Mrs. Brooks. 

Blanche. Neither have I. 

Walter. Nice old woman ! 



20 HER GLOVES • 

Mrs. Euggles. I should imagine so, if she wears these 
things. [Dangles gloves in front of them.] 

Jefferson. I don't think you'd like her. 

Mrs. Euggles. Time alone will tell. 

Jefferson. [Aside.] Well, hope she doesn't tell the 
truth. 

Walter. [His hands on Mrs. Euggles' shoulders.] 
And now that you know all, let me have the gloves, so that 
I may return them to their proper owner. 

Mrs. Euggles. [Draws gloves behind her haclc.] 
Never you mind; I'll attend to that. 

Walter. [Staggered.] You don't mean you'd — 

Mrs. Euggles. I intend to take them over to Mrs. 
Brooks myself. 

Jefferson. [Anxiously.] But, my dear, you've never 
met the lady. 

Mrs. Euggles. [Crossing to l. 1.] I can easily intro- 
duce myself. 

Walter. Exceedingly bad form ! Besides, it's raining 
— ^you'll get wet — 

Mrs. Euggles. I'll slip on my raincoat. It won't take 
me a minute. [Exits l. 1.] 

Blanche. [Over to l. 1.] And I'll go with you. It 
will be music to hear the story from her lips. [Off l. 1.] 

Walter and Jefferson. [Both limply sinl-ing into 
seats.] Good heavens ! [Then espying Slocum and point- 
ing at him. Hoarsely.] This is all your fault ! 

Slocum. [Coming down.] My fault? 

Jefferson. [Whining.] Yes — for butting into other 
people's affairs. But I'll have my revenge. Just wait 
until you're married to my daughter ! 

Slocum. What harm's been done anyway, since the 
gloves belong to Mrs. Brooks ? 



HER GLOVES 21 

Walter. A great deal — [Glances around hefore speak- 
ing] — since they don't! 

Slocum. [Staggered.] They don't? 

Jefferson". [Repeating — in deep bass voice.] They 
don't. 

Slocum. But you said — 

Walter. I had to say something. 

Jefferson. And that's the first thing came to his 
mind. [His head hurled in hands.] Bobby! Bobby! 
how can I ever forgive you? 

Walter. Charley Brooks is an old pal of mine. We 
play hearts together, 'most every day, going to and from 
the city. His name was on the tip of my tongue from the 
first. 

Slocum. And the gloves? 

Walter. [Glances around before spealcing.] Belong 
to an actress. 

Slocum. [Surprised. Loudly.] An actress ! 

Jefferson. [Starting up in great confusion.] Yes; — 
but for pity's sake don't shout it from the housetops ! 

Walter. I can't give you the particulars now. 

Jefferson. We've got to get them away from my 
wife — 

Walter. Before she can call on Mrs. Brooks. 

Slocum. And without letting the cat out of the bag. 

Walter. Marvelous ! [Slapping him on bach.] Say — 
you're a wonder ! 

Jefferson. [Sadly.] He's more than that. 

Walter. Mrs. Brooks must call here for the gloves, in 
person. 

Slocum. But if, as you say, she doesn't own them — 

Walter. Bobby! Bobby! I'm disappointed in you, 
after all. 



22 HER GLOVES 

Slocum. [Suddenly.] Why, you don't mean — 

Walter. Why not ? Haven't I heard a lot about your 
success in the college plays ? 

Slocum. But it's taking an awful chance. [Then, 
after a pause.] However, I got you into this scrape, and 
I'll try to get you out. 

Jefferson. [Up-] You will? 

Slocum. Yep. [Up to door c] There's a costumer 
near the depot, isn't there? 

Walter. Yes, yes. 

Slocum. Just you detain the women for a quarter of 
an hour — and leave the rest to me. 

Jefferson. [Quicl'Iy.] But, hold on. How'U we ex- 
plain your absence? They'll want to know where you've 
got to. 

Walter. That's so. 

Slocum. It will look suspicious — won't it? 

Walter. [Suddenly.] I have it. A telegram! 

Jefferson. [Puzzled.] A telegram? 

Slocum. Calling me to Xew York. 

Jefferson. [Enfhusia.stically.] Hurrah! 

Walter. [Seating ai desl-.] Stating your great-great- 
grandfather — 

Slocum. Has passed in his chips ! Immense ! 

Walter. [Quickly writes on telegram hlanl- — then, 
finishing] Quick ! — a blotter. 

Jefferson. [Looking around.] Where are they? 

AValter. On the table. 

Jefferson. [Espying blotter on iahle l, c] Oh, yes. 
[Takes one and hands to Walter.] 

Walter. [Blots telegram.] There! [Hands to Slo- 
cum.] How's that strike you ? 

Slocum. [Beading and folding.] Couldn't be better. 



HEE GLOVES 23 

[Enter Mrs. Euggles, followed hy Blanche, each weanng 
raincoat and carrying an umhrella.] 

t Walter. [To Blanche.] My dear, Robert has re- 
ceived bad news. 

Jefferson. [Brokenly.] ^wc7i bad news ! 

Slocum. [Appears affected.] Very had news ! 

Blanche and Mrs. Euggles. [Quickly over to him.] 

What is it? 

Jefferson. [Sadly.] His great-great-grandmotlier— 

Walter. [Quickly correcting.] Grandfather! 

Jefferson. Quite so — grandfather has passed to the 
Great Beyond. 

Blanche and Mrs. Euggles. Poor boy ! 

Jefferson. Poor grandfather ! 

Walter. Necessitating his immediate return to the 

city. 

Mrs. Euggles. How unfortunate ! 

Blanche. But he can return after the — 

Mrs. Euggles. [Nudges her to he quiet.] 

Slocum. I'm sorry to have to tear myself away like 

this. 

Walter. Dora will be disappointed. 

Jefferson. You can say good-by to her as you go out. 

Slocum. Good-by, all. 

All. Good-by, good-by ! 

Slocum. [Off door c. going R.] 

Mrs. Euggles. Well, I'm glad he's gone. [Starts 
toward c] And now we'll just run over and return these— 
[Holding up gloves]— and — 

Walter. [Quickly.] But, my dears, you wouldn't ven- 
ture out in weather like this ? 

Blanche. It's stopped raining. 



24 HER GLOVES 

Jefferson. [Looking off. Aside.] Confound it—so 
it has I 

Walter. Yes, my dear; but dinner ! 

Jefferson. [QuicMy turning.] Vm famished— nearly 
starved to death. 

Mrs. Euggles. We'll be back by the time Dora— 

Walter. [Quickly.'] Besides, my dear, she'll probably 
be here in a few minutes, an3^way. 

Mrs. Buggles and Blanche. Be here ? Mrs. Brooks ? 

Walter. Why, certainly ! To show you how little we 
had to fear, I told Bobby to stop in on his way to the 
depot — 

Mrs. Euggles. And ask Mrs. Brooks to call here? 

Walter. And at once ! 

Blanche. [To Mrs. Euggles.] What did I tell you, 
mama? They are innocent. [Throwing arms about Wm^ 
ter's nech,] You good, dear fellow ! 

Mrs. Euggles. [Throwing arms about Jefferson.] 
Jefferson, my own ! 

Jefferson and Walter. [Unseen by women, wink at 
each other while embracing them.] 

[Door bell rings below.] 

Walter. That may be her now. 

Jefferson. [To Mrs. Euggles.] Now, madam,— 
now learn how you have misjudged us ! 

[Enter Dora door c] 

Dora. It's Mr. Brooks ! 

Jefferson and Walter. [Staggered.] Mr. Brooks? 
Mrs. Euggles. Come to make excuses for his wife, no 
doubt. 



HER GLOVES 25 

[Enter Charley Brooks, a lald-headed, mild-mannered 
man, about forty, door c] 

Jefferson and Walter. [Quickly up, grasping him 
by hand.] Charley ! Charley, old boy ! Glad to see you. 
[Referring to ladies.] . Know our wives. [To ladies.] 
Wives, — know Charley Brooks. 

Walter. [To Charley.] I suppose your wife sent 
you after the gloves. 

Charley. [Puzzled.] What gloves ? 

Jefferson. Her gloves, of course. 

Blanche. [To Charley.] Tell me, honestly, Mr. 
Brooks, — was your wife on my husband's yacht this after- 
noon? 

Charley. Not that I know of. 

Mrs. Euggles. [To Walter, triumphantly.] Ah — 
you see ! 

Walter. One moment. I asked Charley to keep our 
negotiations a secret, and he acted under that promise in 
making his reply. [Kicking him in leg.] Didn't you, 
Charley ? 

Jefferson. » [Unseen by ladies, is winking signifi- 
cantly.] 

Charley. [Finally.] Yes. 

Walter. You were on my yacht this afternoon ? Speak 
out, Charley; I have nothing to conceal. [Nudges him as 
before.] I release you from your promise. 

Charley. I was. 

Jefferson. [On other side of him.] And your wife 
was with you? [Nudges him in side and winks signifi- 
cantly.] 

Charley. [Greatly puzzled.] She was. 

Walter. And your wife left her gloves on board? 
[Nudges him.] 



SC HEB GLOVES 

Charley. She did. 

Jefferson. x\nd you called over after them. [Nudges 

Charley. I did. 

Jefferson. [Coming down.] That's all there 's to it. 
Spoken like a man ! 

Walter. [To Mrs. Ruggles.] Now are you satisfied? 

Mrs. Euggles. [At door l. 1.] No — not until Fve had 
a talk with Mrs. Brooks. [Exits l. 1.] 

Blanche. [Starts after her.] 

Walter. But, surely, my dear, you — 

Blanche. To be candid, Walter, I am more mystified 
than ever. [Exits off L. 1.] 

Jefferson. [Disconsolately.'] We're lost ! Lost ! 

Charley. [Puzzled.] Say, — what is this, anyway ? 

Walter. That's what we would like to know. What 
brought you here ? 

Charley. Oh, I've had a deuced time at home. My 
wife's infernally jealous, as you know. Told her this 
morning I'd be delayed at the office all afternoon, and then 
took in the races. She drops in unexpectedly and learns 
I'd fibbed; and to square things, I told her I got through 
earlier than I anticipated, met you on the train, and you 
insisted on my taking a sail in your yacht. 

Jefferson and Walter. [Both slap him on shoulder.] 
Good! Good! 

Charley. Hold on. What's the matter ? 

Walter. We've got troubles of our own. Can't ex- 
plain — any more than to say we told our women folks that 
you and your wife had taken a trip with us this afternoon. 

Charley. I get the drift of things. But my wife ! — 
how about her? She'll never stand for — [Over to win- 
dow and anxiously holes off.] 

Jefferson. Oh, that's all fixed. 



HER GLOVES 27 

Walter. You know Bobby Slocum? 

Charley. Little Bobby? Sure. Met him in your 
office dozens of times. 

Walter. Well, he's going to impersonate your wife. 

Charley. [Surprised.] Impersonate her? 

Walter. Sure — put on a wig — come here — claim the 
gloves and save the day. 

Charley. [Glancing from window.] But supposing 
my wife should drop in in the meantime ? 

Walter. Oh, she wouldn't do tliat, would she ? 

Charley. Boys, she's liable to do anything. I've got 
an idea she followed me here. Of late she hardly lets me 
out of her sight. 

Jefferson. And I thought Lulu was the limit ! 

Walter. [Suddenly. To Jefferson.] By Jove! — 
supposing they should have left the house by the rear way? 

Jefferson. [Alarmed.] I never thought of that. 

Walter. [Over to door l. 1.] We'd better keep an eye 
on them. [To Charley.] Look out for Slocum— he'll be 
along any minute now. [Ojf L. 1.] 

Jefferson. [.4^ door l. 1.] And for heaven's sake, 
get your stories to hitch. Lulu isn't as simple as she looks. 
[Off l. L] 

Charley. [Glances cautiously from ivindotv.] I don t 
see anything of my wife. Must have given her the slip, 
after all. [Coming down.] It only I'd told the truth in 
the first place, I wouldn't be in this wretched stew now. 
[Sighs.] Well, I suppose I've got to— 

[Knock heard outside window.] 

Charley. [Starts up.] Wonder what that was? 

[Listens.] 

[Knocl repeated.] 



28 HER GLOVES 

Charley. There it goes again. [Up to window, then 
starts back.] Oh ! 
[Enter from window, Valeska Bijou, a fine-looking 

woman, wearing a striking spangled gown and large 

picture hat, carrying a pretty parasol] 

Valeska. [Entering.] I beg pardon— but does Mr. 
Dillingham live here ? 

Charley. He does. 

Valeska. I tried the bell a number of times, and it 
didn't seem to ring. I came after my gloves. 

Charley. Your gloves, eh? [Coming down. Aside.] 
It's Bobby Slocum— sure as I live. [Glancing back at 
Valeska.] And with a perfect make-up! [Loudly.] 
Come in ! 

Valeska. [Comes down r., placing parasol on top of 
desk.] 

Charley. [Sizing her up.] Don't suppose you re- 
member me ? 

Valeska. [Looking at him.] I can't say that I do. 
Charley. [Winkijig at her.] Well, you're certainly 
well made up. 

Valeska. [Indignantly.] Made up? How dare you, sir ? 

Charley. [Glancing around.] Come, come;— I know 
all about it. Walter put me on. 

Valeska. [Drawing away.] I don't understand. 

Charley. I'm Charley Brooks. Met you dozens of 
times. And many a drink we've had together. 

Valeska. [Haughtily.] You apparently have been 
drinking to excess. 

Charley. No such luck. But, putting all jokes aside— 
[Glancing cautiously around before speaking]— we'd better 
be getting our story straight. 

Valeska. [Aside.] What can be the matter with the 
man. [Aloud.] What story? 



HEB GLOVES 29 

Charley. Why, Walter must have told you. [Glanc- 
ing around. With fingers in vest.] I'm your husband ! 

Valeska. [Gives a start.] My husband ! 

Charley. [In loud tvhispers.] Sure; — it's going to 
work like a charm ! They'll never know the truth. 

Valeska. [Aside.] The man's insane — a raving 
maniac! [Cautiously crosses to l. 1.] Help! Help! Help! 

Charley. [Nervously.] Be careful ! You'll give the 
snap away. [Glancing around.] It wouldn't do to let my 
other wife hear of this. 

Valeska. He thinks he's a Mormon. [Dodges r. and 
L. behind table.] 

Charley. [Disgusted.] Sa}^ cut it out, Bobby ! 
You'll spoil the whole thing. 

Valeska. Bobby? Bobby? Now he takes me for a 
man! [Greatly alarmed.] 

Charley. [Puzzled.] Why, ain't you little Bobby as I 
used to know — Bobby Slocum ? 

Valeska. [Drawing herself to a height.] Sir — I am — 

[Enter Jefferson aiid Walter doors l. 1 and l. 3.] 

Jefferson and Walter. [Espying her.] The actress ! 
[Seize her by arms and hurry her into room R. 1, loudly 
closing and locking same.] 

Charley. [Staggered.] The actress? 

Jefferson. Owner of the gloves ! 

Charley. And I mistook her for — 

Walter. [Finger to lips.] Sh — the ladies ! 

Jefferson. [Quickly over to ivindow, looking off.] 

Walter. [With back to door r. 1, guards same.] 

[Enter Mrs. Ruggles and Blanche l. 1.] 

Mrs. Ruggles. [Anxiously.] What were those cries 
for help? 

Walter. Cries for what ? I heard nothing. 



30 HEB GLOVES 

Jefferson. Neither did I. 

Charley. [Shakes head in negative.'] 

Blanche. Strange ! 

Mrs. Ruggles. You could hear them all over the house. 

Jefferson. The wind, my dear, the wind. 

Mrs. Euggles. [To Charley.] It sounded like a 
woman's voice. 

Walter. [Nervously.] Mrs. Brooks will be here 
directly. 

Mrs. Euggles. Thank goodness! Then we'll have 
done with this terrible suspense. 

Blanche. This fearful doubt ! 

[Bell rings below.] 

Jefferson. At last ! At last ! 

Walter. [Slapping Charley on shoulder.] Brace up 
and prepare to meet your wife. 

Charley. [His knees quaking.] Supposing it should 
really be my wife. 

Walter. [Starts.] I never thought of that. 

[Enter Dora door c] 

Dora. Mrs. Brooks. 

Mrs. Euggles. ' Thank goodness ! 

[Filter c, Egbert Slocum, wearing a hlonde wig, a 
dinging gown, and a picture hat.] 

Jefferson and Walter. [Quickly on either side of 
Slocum, shaking his hand.] Delighted, Mrs. Brooks; — 
delighted ! 

Walter. [Presenting Blanche.] Know my wife. 

Jefferson. [Presenting Mrs. Euggles. ^Yith sweep- 
ing how.] And mine! 

Slocum. [Makes a how and nearly loses his balance.] 



HER GLOVES M 

Jefferson. [Aside.] If Lulu knew the truth! 

Mrs. Euqgles. [Referring to Charley.] We had 
already met your husband. 

Slocum. [Astonished.] My husband ! 

Blanche. Yes ; — he's been waiting for you. 

Slocum. [Recognizing Charley.] Charley Brooks! 
Whow ! It's all over ! Here's where I get it ! [Takes 
long strides toward windoiv.] 

Walter. [Catching him by shirt.] Hold on ! — where 
are you going ? 

Slocum. I didn't figure on meeting him here. 

Jefferson. [Nudges Charley.] Go on ! — go on ! — 
say something! — do something! 

Charley. [Bus. With outstretched anus.] My dear! 

Slocum. [Looking at him.'] Do you really mean it? 

Walter. Of course he does. 

Slocum. [Doivn — throiving arms about Charley.] 
Charley, dear. 

Jefferson. [To Mrs. Euggles — aside.] They haven't 
been on the best of terms lately. 

Mrs. Euggles. [To Slocum.] I suppose you called 
in answer to my husband's summons. 

Slocum. I called for my gloves. 

Mrs. Euggles. [Holding up gloves.] Are these the 
ones? 

Slocum. [Quickly taking them.] The identical. Oh, 
I'm so glad you found them. I must have left them on the 
yacht — [To Charley] — eh, ducky dear? 

Jefferson and Walter. [To Mrs. Euggles and 
Blanche.] You see! You see! [Haughtily pace floor.] 

Slocum. [To Mrs. Euggles.] Thank you so much. 
[To Charley.] But we must be going. [Locking arm 
in Charley's. To others.] We're likely to have another 
storm. 



82 HER GLOVES 

Mis. EuGGLES AND BLANCHE. [To huslauds — with out- 
stretched arms.] Can you ever forgive us? 

Jefferson and AV alter. [To one another.] Can we? 
[Finally, after a pause.] If you promise not to doubt us 
in the future. 

Mrs. Euggles and Blanche. We do — we do ! 

Jefferson and Walter. [Throw arms about them.] 

Slocum and Charley. [Arm in arm, starting toward 
window. Good-night — good-night ! 

All. [Warmly.] Good-night — good-night! 

Slocum and Charlei'. [Exit off through window.] 

Jefferson and Walter. [Emhracing wives, unseen, 
hy them, shake each other s hands behind their backs, and 
laughingly exchange winks as 

CURTAIN descends. 



ACT THE SECOND 

Same Setting. A Few Minutes Later. 

[At rise, Walter Dillingham and Blanche Dilling- 
ham discovered embracing, as are Jefferson and Mrs. 
Euggles.] 

Jefferson and Walter. [Exchanging winks as at 
close of previous act.] 

[Enter Dora Euggles immediately c] 

Dora. [Surprised.] Well, well — what's happened? 
Others. [Draw confusedly away from each other.] 
Mrs. Euggles. My dear, everything has been satisfac- 
torily explained. I greatly misjudged your father. 



HER GLOVES 33 

Blanche. [To Walter.] You have really, truly for- 
given me ? 

Walter. Why, of course. The mistake was quite nat- 
ural. [Clearing throat.] Only I must ask you to be more 
careful in the future. One does not like to be wrongfully 
accused this way. 

Dora. [Moves down to desk.~\ Vm so sorry Bob had to 
hurry off like that. Wasn't it just terrible about his 
great-grandfather ? 

Jefferson. Extremely sad, my dear. But, alas, we 
must all shuffle off this mortal coil. 

Dora. [Discovei'ing parasol on desk, takes it in hands.] 
Why, what a pretty parasol ! 

Jefferson. [Starts.] Great Caesar ! [Looks despair- 
ingly at Walter.] 

Mrs. Ruggles. Where did that come from ? 

Walter. [Clearing throat.] Ahem! — it — it belongs 
to Dora. 

Dora. [Surprised.] To me? 

Walter. Yes; — a trifle I brought up from town 
for you. 

Dora. A present? 

Walter. . Exactly. In the excitement, I'd forgotten all 
about it. 

Dora. [Handing it to Blanche.] Isn't it a beauty? 
[Then to Walter, giving him a hug.] Oh, you dear! 

Mrs. Ruggles. [Adjusting a pair of glasses. To 
Blanche.] Let me take a look at it. 

Jefferson. [Aside to Walter.] Now look out for 
trouble. 

Mrs. Ruggles. [Closely examining parasol.] And it's 
initialed ! 

Walter and Jefferson. \_Start.] Initialed? 

Dora. Really ? [Joins Blanche and Mrs. Ruggles.] 



34 HER GLOVES 

Jefferson. [Mournfully — aside to Walter.] What 
did I tell 3^ou? 

Mrs. Ruggles. [Readi7ig from handle.] "From J. IV 

Dora. [Surprised.'] J. E. ? 

Blanche. Wl\y Walter, those aren't your initials 

Walter. Eh — not mine ? 

Mrs. Euggles. [Looking up.] Yours are W. D. Thi^ 
reads "From J. R." 

Dora. [Suddetily.] Papa's initials! 

Walter. [QuicMy.] So they are. Well, it's really a 
gift from your father — he having paid for the same. 

Jefferson. Walter has the habit of taking the credit 
for everything. 

Dora. [Kissing him.] Good, dear papa. 

Walter. A little joke on my part. 

Mrs. Ruggles. [J'o Jefferson.] I'm surprised, Jef- 
ferson, that you should squander your money this way 
when 7 have to serin)}) and save the year 'round. What 
did you pay for this tiling? 

Jefferson. [Troubled.] Really, my dear, I — I — 

Walter. [Quicl-ly.] It was a bargain — a great bar- 
gain. 

Mrs. Ruggles. Ill wager you didn't get it for a penny 
less than five dollars. 

Dora. [Reprovingly.] Mama, you ought not to — 

Mrs. Ruggles. Look a gift horse in the mouth, I sup- 
pose. I wouldn't say a word if it was something you really 
needed. 

Blanche. Dora already has three parasols. 

AValter. Where's the harm in having four ? 

Mrs. Ruggles. Ridiculous. Where did you make the 
purchase ? 

Jefferson. [To Walter.] W^here? 

Walter. Why Tracey's, of course. 



HER GLOVES 33 

Mrs. Buggles. Very well. I'm going to town in the 
morning. [To Dora.] We'll exchange it for a hat. 

Dora. [Clapping hands.] That's right— a hat ! 

Walter. [Quickly.] Yes, hut they wont exchange it. 

Mrs. Ruggles. Oh, yes, they will. 

Jeffersox. [Mournfully.] Oh, no, they won't. 

Walter. [To Jefferson.] What did the man say? 

Jeffersox. Why he said — he said — [Turning to 
Walter.] What did he say? 

Walter. [To Mrs. Euggles.] . Being a special sale, 
they couldn't think of taking them hack. 

Mrs. Euggles. [Crossing to l. 1.] Well, we'll see about 
that. They won't give me any such story. [To others.] 
Come, children, it's time we served dinner. [Exits off l. 1 
with parasol.] 

Jefferson. [Calling after her.] But, my dear. 

Walter. [To Blanche.] Blanche, you try to per- 
suade your mother to change her mind. What will the 
clerk think of us? 

Jeffersox. [Sadly.] Yes, what will he think? 

Blanche. [At door l. 1.] You know mama — when 
she's once made up her mind. [E\vits.] 

Jefferson and Walter. [Sadly.] You bet we do. 

Dora. [Romps over to l. 1.] 

Walter. [To Dora.] Oh Dora, you tell her. After 
all, you'd much rather keep the parasol, wouldn't you? 

Dora. To tell the truth, I really need the hat. [Off 
L. 1, laughingly.] 

Jeffersox and Walter. [Crushed, look after her.] 

Jefferson. Now what are you going to do? 

Walter. [Moving to door r. 1.] The first thing — 
get rid of the actress. 

Jefferson. By jove, I'd forgotten all about her. 

Walter. [Unlocls door.] Keep an eye on tliat door. 



36 HER GLOVES 

[Points to L. 1.] 
Jefferson. [Gingerly closes it.] , 

Walter. [Opens door r. 1.] 

[Enter Valeska Bijou from r. 1.] 

Valeska. [Haughtily.] So you've finally decided to 
let me out, eh ? 

Walter. Madam, you don't know how greatly we are 
indebted to you for not making a disturbance the past 
half hour. 

Jefferson. Eemarkable fortitude on your part. 

Valeska. Having heard all — 

AValter. All ? 

Valeska. Why, yes, through the keyhole there. I knew 
that my presence at the time would have been disquieting. 

Walter. It would have been more than that — a boom- 
erang ! 

Jefferson. A cyclone! 

Valeska. Besides, I, too, had a reason for not wanting 
ni}'' presence known. [Glancing around before speaking.] 
My husband knew nothing of my trip here today. 

Jefferson and Walter. Xo? 

Valeska. Xo. And if he, by any chance, learns of 
it, I'm fearful of the consequences. 

Jefferson and Walter. Yes? 

Valeska. For he is one of the most jealous of men 
and has a temper that would cause him to stop at nothing. 

Jefferson and Walter. [Groan.] Oh Lor'. 

Valeska. He never would have known of it, had I 
made that five-thirty train. 

Walter. [Anxiously.] And now? 

Valeska. I'm afraid it's too late. 

Jefferson. [Consulting watch.] There's a train at 
six-thirty — you can easily make that. 



HER GLOVES 37 

Walter. [Glancing from windoic] And as the 
women are in the rear of the house, they'll never be the 
wiser. 

Valeska. All very well, save for one thing. 

Jeffersox and Walter. [A7ixiousJy.'\ And that? 

Yaleska. My parasol ! A gift from my husband, 
only yesterda}^ and bearing his initials. 

Jeffersox. [Thoughtfully.] J. R. 

Yaleska. Jim Rvan beins: his name. I couldn't think 
of leaving without it. He would be furious. I should have 
to explain where I lost it. He might investigate and — 

Walter. Learn the truth. The up-shot is — 

Jeffersox. We've got to get that confounded parasol. 
But how ? How ? 

Jeffersox. [Consulting ivatch.] If you managed to 
leave on that six-thirty — 

Yaleska. It would get me in Xew York in time for 
the evening performance and might save the day. 

Walter. [Suddenly.'] I have it. Leave everything 
to me. I think I've hit on a plan. 

Jefferson. [With sickly smile] Oh, I know your 
plans. 

Walter. [To Yaleska.] Only do as I tell you — 
when things get going our way — and as soon as you land 
that parasol — 

Jeffersox. [Waving hands.] Make for the train. 

Walter. Quick; someone's coming. [Ushers her to 
door R. 1.] 

Yaleska. Only please don't delay. Every minute 
counts. Now don't forget. [Off R. 1.] 

Walter. T couldn't if I would. 

Jeffersox. [Wipes forehead with handkerchief.] 
More trouble. Where will it all end? 



38 HER GLOVES 

Waltek. [Angrily.] Oh, shut up, will you? We*re 
nearer out of it now than ever before. 

[Enter Charley Beooks breathlessly, through ivindow, his 

L. eye discolored, his collar loosened, his tie awry, 

hatless, his hair iLnhempt and his clothing 

bespattered with mitd.] 

Jefferson and Walter. [Surpinsed.] Charley! 
What's happened ? 

Charley. The Lord only knows. I"ve had a terrible 
time. My wife did this ! [Lools himself over.] 

Jefferson and Walter. Your wife? 

Charley. [Sadly.] My wife. She was in hiding 
behind a clump of bushes and saw me come out of here 
arm in arm — 

Walter. With Bobby ! 

Jefferson. In his feminine garb I 

Charley. Exactly, and mistaking him for a woman, 
began to wreak her vengeance on the two of us with her 
umbrella. 

Jefferson. With what result? 

Charley. I'm the result. Doesn't it look like a com- 
plete job? [Mournfully.] I'm homeless, wifeless and 
sore all over. 

Walter. Poor chap. What became of Bobby? 

Charley. [Up to window, glancing off.] The last I 
saw of him, he was trying to climb a ten-foot fence while 
my wife was industriously applying the umbrella. 

Jefferson. I'm glad of it. He will mix in other peo- 
ple's business, eh? 

Charley. [Coming down.] Say, boys, get me out 
of the way somewhere. My wife's liable to drop in here 
at any moment. 

Jefferson. Heaven forbid. 



HER GLOVES 39 

Walter. Now we are in for it. 

Jefferson. We've been in it for some time. 

Walter. [Suddenly.] What was that? [Quickly up 
to window.] I thought I heard someone on the porch. 

Charley. [^S^orked up.] It may be my wife. Oh, 
what shall I do? 

Walter. [Peering out.] It's so dark I can't see. 

Jefferson. [To Charley.] Hide! hide! hide! 

Charley. [Buns wildly about, finally getting under 
table.] 

[Enter Slocum, his ivig and hat awry, his skirt turned 
around so that the train is in front.] 

Walter. That you, Bobby? 

Slocum. All that's left of me. Gee, but I've had a 
time of it. 

Jefferson. You look it. 

Slocum. [To Walter.] Is my hat on straight? 

Walter. You're a siglit. [^ssis/s in making him ap- 
pear more presentable.] 

Slocum. My ! how that woman could swing that um- 
brella, and with what precision ! Why she never once 
missed the target. Who was she, anyway? 

Walter. Charley's wife. 

Slocum. Poor, poor Charley. [Then laughing.] The 
last I saw of him he was giving a perfect imitation of a 
streak of lightning. It was wonderful. Where is he now? 

Charley. [Poking head from under table.] Here ! 

Slocum. Stay there. You're better off. This finishes 
me as a female impersonator. Never again for me. If 
I only had my own clothes I'd get rid of these forever. 

Charley. [Crawls out from beneath table.] 

Jefferson. [Suddenly.] Keep quiet — the women are 
coming. 



40 HEE GLOVES 

Walter. [Wildly.'] Get out of the way — both of you. 
Here — these screens ! 

Charley and Slocum. [Each get hehind screens, 
cither side of c. door.'] 

Jefferson. [Sighs.] Where will it all end? 

[Enter Mrs. Ruggles carrying parasol, door l. 1, followed 

by Blanche. [ 

Jefferson. [To Mrs. Ruggles.] Ah, my dear, de- 
cided to keep the parasol after all? 

Mrs. Ruggles. Nothing of the sort. 

Walter. [Endeavoring to get it away from her.] 
Better let me return it in the morning. I know the girl 
who sold it to me. 

Blanche. Girl? Why I thought — 

Jefferson. [QuicJcly] It was a man, Walter — a 
man ! 

Walter. I said a man. 

Mrs. Ruggles. [Stamping foot.] Xothing of the 
sort. You said a girl. 

Walter. [Irritated.] Well what difference does it 
make ? 

Mrs. Ruggles. Enough difference to arouse my sus- 
picions. Nothing can stop me now from paying a visit 
to Tracey's. [Crossing to R. 1.] 

Walter. [Quickly in front of door R. 1.] Where are 
you going? 

Mrs. Ruggles. To lock this — [Bef erring to parasol] 
in the library. 

Jefferson. [Groans.] 

Walter. Never ! You can't go in here ! 

Mrs. Ruggles. Can't go in. I like that. And pray, 
why not? 



HER GLOVES 41 

Walter. [Loudly.] Because — because — [Then after 
a pause to Jefferson] you tell them. 

Jefferson. [Bus.] Well — because you cant go in. 

Mrs. Euggles. [To Blanche.] The mystery thickens. 
[To AValter.] You have someone in there you don't 
want us to see. 

Walter. Xo, no — you don't understand. 

Mrs. Euggles. Then why do you refuse to open that 
door ? 

Walter. Well because — that's why. 

Blanche. [To Mrs. Euggles.] The window on the 
porch ! I can see through that ! [Starts for window R. 3.] 

Mrs. Euggles. Yes, yes. 

Walter. [Wildly.] Blanche! Blanche! I forbid 
you ! I — 

Blanche. [Exits through wi7idow.] 

Jefferson. [Is madly pacing up and down.] 

Walter. [To Mrs. Euggles.] I endeavored to keep 
this from you. But now — noiv you're going to be sorry. 

Jefferson. [Aside.] And so are we. 

Mrs. Euggles. I'll take my chances on that. 
[Enter Blanche hurriedly from window.] 

Blanche. [Hoarsely.] Mother! Mother! It's a 
woman ! 

Mrs. Euggles. [Gives a cry.] A woman? 

Jefferson and Walter. [Together.] A woman! 

Mrs. Euggles. [Lool-ing from one to the other.] So 
you confess it, eh? [Pacing floor.] Oh, what monsters! 
monsters ! monsters ! 

Jefferson. [Sadly.] Now I'm a monster! 

Walter. Let me explain, Blanche. 

Blanche. [Bitterly.] How can you explain such con- 
duct? 



42 HEE GLOVES 

Walter. The easiest thing in the world, if you'll only 
listen. 

Blanche. [To Mrs. Euggles.] She's handsome, 
too — [Beginning to sob] that's the worst of it. 

Walter. The very reason we wouldn't engage her, 
isn't it Jefferson? 

Jefferson. [With hoiu.] I leave you to explain the 
whole sorry affair. 

Mrs. Ruggles. [Puzzled.] Wouldn't engage her? 
[Sharply.'] Who is this — this woman? 

Walter. Do you want to knoAv? [Dramatically.] Do 
you really want to know? 

Mrs. Ruggles. I insist upon knowing. 

Walter. Well then — she's the new servant ! 

Mrs. Ruggles and Blanche. The new servant? 

Jefferson. [With sweeping hoic] The new servant. 

Mrs. Ruggles. Then why all this mystery — why lock 
her up in this room? 

Walter. Because — 

Jefferson. [After him.] Because — ^~ 

Walter. Because we didn't approve of her. 

Blanche. Didn't approve of her? 

Mrs. Ruggles. And since when have you come to be 
the judges of the servants of this house? 

Walter. Isn't it about time we had something to say 
— about something? We refused to engage her because 
she was pretty. 

Mrs. Ruggles. So! 

Jefferson. Remembering the trouble we had with the 
last one on that account. 

Walter. To promote happiness, the girl for this house- 
hold should be as homely as a hedge-fence. 

Mrs. Ruggles. Let me get a look at her. Perhaps 
after all we may decide to accept her. 



HER GLOVES 43 

Blanche. Any servant is better than none — just at 
present. 

Walter. [Opens door r. 1.] Oh Lena ! Lena ! [To 
Mrs. Ruggles.] That's her name, you know. 

[Enter Yaleska Bijou demurely, door r. 1.] 

Mrs. Euggles and Blanche. [Surprised.] Well, 
well, well ! 

Jefferson. What did we tell you? 

Walter. [To Yaleska — winking at her.] Lena, my 
wife thinks differently than I do. 

Mrs. Ruggles. [To A^aleska.] If I can approve of 
your references, I see no reason why we shouldn't come 
to terms. [Bitterly to Walter.] I'll show you whether 
we're jealous or not. 

[DooJ' bell rings below.] 

Mrs. Ruggles. Who can that be? 

Blanche. Dora will open the door. 

Mrs. Ruggles. [To Yaleska.] Then, Lena, go below 
to the kitchen. I'll join you there directly. Whenever I 
pull this bell-cord — [Referring to same] and you hear the 
bell in the kitchen, it means for you to come to this room. 
Understand ? 

Yaleska. [Quietly.] Yes, mam. 

Mrs. Ruggles. Xow go. 

Yaleska. [Crosses to l. 1, turns and lool-s at Walter.] 

Walter. [Winks significantly.] 

Yaleska. [Exits l. 1.] 

Walter and Jefferson. [Unseen by others, joy f idly 
nudge each other in side.] 

[Enter Dora C, coming from the R.] 

Dora. [Announcing.] Mrs. Brooks! 



U HEK GLOVES 

Jeffersqn and Walter. [Staggered.] Mrs. Brooks ! 

Charley and Slocum. [Unseen hy others, hob heads 
over screens, exchange glances, then quicMy doivn again.] 

Mrs. Euggles. [To Dora.] What, again? 

Dora. That's what she said her name was. Must be 
a sister to the other one — even though they look nothing 
alike. 

Mrs. Euggles. [Puzzled.] Her sister? Why what 
can she want here? 

[Enter c. Mrs. Elizabeth Brooks^ a plainly dressed 

woman, with side curls, wearing honnet, shawl, white 

cotton gloves and carrying a stout umbrella.] 

Mrs. Brooks. [Angrily.] I want my husband! 

Mrs. Euggles and Blaxche. Your husband? 

Mr. Euggles. Who are you, Madam ? 

Mrs. Brooks. Mrs. Charles Brooks ! 

Charley and Slocum. [Unseen by others, bob up from 
behind screens and immediately down again.] 

Walter and Jefeersox. [Down r. business.] 

Mrs. Euggles. Good gracious ! Then who was the 
other woman? 

Mrs. Brooks. An impostor ! 

All. No? 

Mrs. Brooks. Yes. Oh, I've found my husband out 
at last. He went sailing today on board your husband's 
yacht and took this female with him. 

Mrs. Euggles. As his wife ? Oh horrible ! 

Walter. [In moclc seriousness.] The villain— to im- 
pose on us in this manner ! 

Jefferson. [Bitterly.] The scoundrel! Had I but 
known ! 

Walter. I shall never forgive Charley for this. He 
is no longer my friend. 



HEK GLOVES 4« 

Jefferson. Oh, base deceiver ! 

Charley. [Looking over screen — in pantomine appeals 
to them, unseen, hoivever, by others.l 

Mrs. Brooks. [To Jefferson and Walter.] Yet, 
you two should have known the truth at once. 

Walter and Jefferson. Eh ? And pray how so ? 

Mrs. Brooks. You knew from the first this woman 
wasn't his wife. 

Walter. I knew nothing of the sort. 

Jefferson. [Indignant.] How should we know? 

Mrs. Euggles and Blanche. [Emphatically.] Yes, 
Madam, how should they know? 

Mrs. Brooks. Simply because they had met me before. 

Walter. [Business.] Eh ? 

Mrs. Brooks. [Pointing at Walter.] Yes, you — 
[Then at Jefferson] and you! At the card party at 
our house only last Thursday night. 

Mrs. Euggles. Card party Thursday night? 

Jefferson and Walter. [Business.] 

Mrs. Euggles. [Sharply turning on Jefferson.] 
Why, Jefferson, I thought you attended a lodge meeting 
that evening? 

Blanche. [To Walter.] Oh, Walter— Walter— say 
it isn't so. 

Walter. The woman's not right. I never saw her 

before. 

Jefferson. [With effort.] Neither have I? 

Mrs. Brooks. [Raising umbrella threat'eningly.] You 
dare deny it? 

All. [Business.] 

Jefferson. [Trembling, cowers behind Walter, r.] 

[Glass crash heard off R.] 
Mrs. Brooks. What was that? 



46 HEB GLOVES 

Dora. [Quickly exits off c] 

Mrs. Euggles. [Alarmed.] Goodness only knows. 

Jeffersox. [Whiniiig.] This day will cost me ten 
years of m}^ life. 

Blanche. [To Mrs. Ruggles.] Why not ring for 
the police? 

[Enter Dora hurriedly, door c] 

Dora. It's a madman ! A madman I [Quickly down l.] 
All. [Greatly alarmed.] 

[Another glass crash.] 

[Enter Jim Ryan, a thickset, red-faced, large mustached 

individual, wearing loud checked suit and gray tall 

hat, fancy vest and large diamonds in shirt 

hosom and on fingers.] 

Ryan. [Boaring.] Where is she? Where is she? I 
want my wife ! 

Charley and Slocum. [Bobbing up from behind 
screens, unseen by others.] He wants his wife ! [Then 
down again.] 

Walter. Sir, I haven't got your wife. 

Blanche. [Indignant.] Well I should hope not. 

Mrs. Ruggles. [Regaining composure.] Who are you, 
sir? 

Ryan. Who am I? Owner of the "Imperial Comedy 
Company," Jim Ryan — the husband of the renowned 
Valeska Bijou ! 

Walter and Jefferson. [Completely collapse.] — h ! 

Ryan. [Loudly.] There's been a lot o' strange going's 
on o' late, and when she said she wuz going shopping, 
I had me doubts, and started in to do some shadowin'. I 
wuz right, she tried to close my eye, and headed fer the 



HER GLOVES 47 

Grand Central. I tracked her as far as Xew Rochelle 
here, when she bounded into a taxi and give me the slip. 
But I was on the outlook and just after the shower seen 
her headin' for this place. For the last half hour I've 
been waitin' on the outside, every minute expectin' her 
to make a get-away. But nuthin' doin', and time being 
precious, I takes the law into my own hands and here I 
am. So no dallyin', come up with my wife. 

Walter. You're mistaken, old chap, there's — 

Ryax. [Furioushj.] Fm not mistaken and that chap- 
pie business don't go with me. I've got her dead to rights 
this time, but she ain't a goin' to jump my show, even if 
she does break my heart. "Where is she ? 

Mrs. Ruggles. [Suddenly.] Ah, I have it — the mys- 
terious woman I 

Mrs. Brooks. [Brandishing umbrella.] The woman 
who my husband — 

Ryax. [Roaring.] Your husband? Ah then I was 
right, arter all. There's a co-respondent in this case. 

Walter. [Slapping Jefferson heavily on shoulder.] 
I have it I I have it I 

Jefferson. [Rubbing shoulder.] Then please don't 
give it to me. 

Walter. [To Ryan.] We, too, have been deceived. 
I can no longer conceal the truth or protect the wrong- 
doers. The woman you want is behind that screen. [Points 
to screen. \ 

Ryan. [Roaring.] At last! At last! [Quickly over 
to screen, pulling it aside and exposing Slocum to view.] 

Mrs. Brooks. [Gives a cry.] Ah! That woman again! 
The wonu\n who stole my husband! [Brandishing um- 
brella, makes a dash toward Slocum.] 

Slocum. [Dodging.] Help! Help! Help! [Finally 
exits off through window.] 



48 HER GLOVES 

Mrs. Brooks. [Follows him, striking at him with um- 
brella.] You cat ! You vixen ! You man-stealer ! [Exits 
off through window, the sounds finally dying out in the 
distance.] 

Mrs. Kuggles. Wasn't that your wife ? 

Eyan. My wife? Xot by a hundred miles. 

Jefferson. Then, sir, you've made a terrible blunder 
in coming liere this way. 

Walter. And I must ask you to leave at once. 

Mrs. Euggles. We've had enough excitement for one 
day. 

Eyan. I don't go until I search the premises, and that 
settles it. 

Blanche. [To Mrs. Euggles.] The man's demented! 
He may become violent! 

Dora. [^Vringing liainds.'] Why not setnd for the 
police ? 

Mrs. Euggles [Nervously.] Yes, yes, the very thing. 
[Pulls hell-cord several times.] 

Walter. [Endeavoring to quiet Eyan.] Better run 
along now, without starting a rumpus. 

Eyan. I ain't startin' anything I can't finish. [Mak- 
ing a move as if to draw revolver.] I've come prepared for 
trouble. 

All. [Draw away — their hands above their heads.] 

Blanche. [Has parasol in one ha?id.] 

Eyan. [Esyying same.] Ah! I knew I was right! 
My wife's parasol ! 

Dora. [Indignant. Snatching it from Blanche.] 
My parasol ! 

Eyan. Just look at the initials — J. E. My — 

Walter. [Interrupting.] Now see here, this has gone 
far enough ! You leave this house at once, sir ! 

Eyan. Not by a long shot ! My wife's hid somewhere's 



HER GLOVES 4^ 

hereabouts and I'm going to find her if I have to shoot 
up the place. [Dratvs revolver.] 

Mrs. Ruggles. [Wildly calling — pulling hell-cord.] 
Oh, Lena ! Lena ! Why don't you come ? 

[Enter Valeska Bijou, door l. 1, hearing a tray with 

several dishes.] 
Valeska. You sent for me? 
Ryan. [Espying her — gives a cry.] Valeska ! 
Valeska. [Dropping tray with a crash.] Jim ! 
Ryan. At last ! At last ! [Talcing her in his arms.] 

My wife ! My wife ! 

Jefferson. [R. has fallen limply into Walter s arms.] 
Blanche. [L. has fainted in Mrs. Ruggles' arms.] 
Charley, [All amazement, is looking over screen.] 
Ryan. [Is warmly emhracing Valeska c. as] 

Curtain Descends. 



ACT THE THIRD. 

Same setting. Next morning. Furniture, etc., properly 
arranged in place. Empty stage at rise. 

[Enter Dora, sohhing, door c, followed hy Mrs. Ruggles.] 

Dora. [Coming down and seating at desTc.\ 

Mrs. Ruggles. It's a great warning to you, my child, 
never to get married. 

Dora. [Brolaenly.] I know, mama, but Bobby is 
quite a different sort of man. 

Mrs. Ruggles. [With folded arms.] Quite nothing. 
Menfolks are all alike. I know them. Heartless, selfish 



50 HER GLOVES 

creatures. But thank goodness I'll soon be divorced from 
your father. 

Dora. [Sobs loudly.] 

[Enter Blanche, door c] 

Mrs. Euggles. Has the lawyer gone? 

Blanche. [Wiping eyes with hajidkerchief.] Yes. 

Mrs. Euggles. And you also signed the papers? 

Blanche. Yes. He said he'd serre them at once to 
get the thing started. 

Mrs. Euggles. Good. The sooner, the better. We'll 
pack our few belongings and this afternoon quit this house 
forever. 

Blanche. There's just one thing the Attorney didn't 
understand. 

Mrs. Euggles. What now, I wonder? 

Blanche. At the actress's husband not raising a big- 
ger rumpus when he discovered his wife. 

Mrs. Euggles. Didn't you explain how he dragged 
her off ? 

Blanche. Yes, but he had been told at the depot, they 
both left town on the six-thirty. 

Mrs. Euggles. [Surprised.] And together? 

Blanche. As if nothing in the world had happened. 

Mrs. Euggles. Strange. 

Blanche. Oh yes, and he gave me tliese. [Produces 
two note-books. Hands one to her.] One for you — one 
for me. 

Mrs. Euggles. Wh}-, what are we to — ? 

Blanche. [Glances cautiously around.] Keep mem- 
orandums of the various going's on. Secure evidence for 
our law suits ! 

Mrs. EuCtGLEs. Take notes, eh? Excellent idea. 



HER GLOVES 51 

Dora. [Her head buried in arm on desk. iSohs.'] Oh, 
Bobby! Bobby! 

Mrs. Euggles. [Comforting her.] Hush, dear. 

[Enter Walter Dillixgham, a legal document in hand, 
hurriedly through tcindow.] 

Walter. [To Blanche.] Ah, here you are. My 
dear, what is the meaning of this? [Holds out document 
toward ]icr,~\ A lawyer just forced it into my hand. 

Blaxche. The paper speaks for itself. Fm suing for 
divorce. 

Walter. [Surprised.] What — from me? [Affected.] 
Now, my dear, that's not fair of you. What have I done? 

Blanche. What haven't you done? 

Walter. Made a few mistakes, I confess, but they were 
errors of judgment ratlier than of the heart. [Offering 
paper.] Take this back, my dear, and I promise 3^ou 
I'll never — 

Blanche. [Firmly.] Not until you explain about the 
actress. 

Walter. [Endeavoring to persuade her.] Oh go on, 
take it back. 

Blanche. [Emphatically.] No ! Not until I know 
the truth. [Off l. 1.] 

Walter. [Calling after her.] Blanche, my dear! You 
don't know what you're doing! [Aside, looking at docu- 
ment.] This is a nice how-do-you-do. [Calling after 
her.] Blanche, I don't want this blame thing. Better 
take it back. [Exits off l. 1.] 

Mrs. Ruggles. [^[oving to c. and looking after him.] 
Good ! Blanche deserves a lot of credit for her deliberate 
stand. 



52 HER GLOVES 

[Enter Jefpeeson Euggles sadly, through tuindow, a legal 
document in hand.] 

Jefferson. [To Mrs. Euggles.] Lulu! Lulu! Look 
at what the lawyer just handed me. 

Mrs. Euggles. [Her back to him.] Well, what of it? 

Jefferson. There's a whole lot of it. I didn't have 
the courage to wade through half of it. You don't mean 
it, do )^ou, my dear? 

Mrs. Euggles. [Bitterly.] Oh, don't I? We'll see 
whether I'm as green as you think I am. 

Jefferson. On the contrary, my dear, I never thought 
you green. [Endeavoring to force document upon her.] 
Take it back, Lulu, there's a good girl. 

Mrs. Euggles. [Unmoved.] Your old taffy doesn't 
go any more. 

Jefferson. Then you really insist on a divorce? 

Mrs. Euggles. Emphatically. 

Jefferson. And the — the alimony? 

Mrs. Euggles. Yes. 

Jefferson. And all the other things ? Oh, I shall be 
bankrupt. 

Mrs. Euggles. You should have thought of the con- 
sequences when gallivanting about with the actress. 

Jefferson. My dear, I never gallivanted. Besides, I 
thought all that was a thing of the past. 

Mrs. Euggles. Oh, you did, did you ? Well you'll find 
that the most exciting part of it is yet to come. [.4^ door 
l. 1.] When you can explain to my satisfaction the bring- 
ing of that actress under this roof, I will again converse 
with you, and not before. [Off haughtily l. 1.] 

Jefferson. [Crushed.] Unhappy world ! To think 
all this mess should be caused by a measly, common, 
ordinary, every-day pair of gloves. [Calling after her, 



HEK GLOVES 53 

holding out document.] Lulu! Lulu! Better take tfiis 
back, I don't want it. [Off l. L] ' '• * 

Dora. [Wlio for some time has been examining blotter 
on desk. Starting.] Hello ! What's this ? I wonder if — 
[Glances toward table and espying mirror] I can't believe 
he would wilfully have — [Holds mirror in L. hatid and 
blotter in front of same in R., permitting her to read what 
has been blotted there.] Good gracious! He deceived 
us! He— 

[Enter Mrs. Euggles from l. 1, followed by Blaxche.] 

Mrs. Euggles. [To Blanche.] Be firm, Blanche! 
Firm ! We've brought the villains to bay at last ! 

Dora. [Quickly to Mrs. Euggles.] Mama ! Mama ! 
We've been tricked. 

Mrs. Euggles. [Calmly.] An old stor}^, my dear. 

Dora. [Quickly.] Yes, but that telegram ! The tele- 
gram was a forgery ! 

Mrs. Euggles. [Puzzled.] A forgery? 

Dora. [Excitedly.] Yes, the one Bob showed you, 
showed me, showed everybody! [Holds mirror so that she, 
too, can read what is blotted on blotter.] 

Mrs. Euggles. [Reads.] "Mr. Eobert Slocum, care 
Walter Dillingham, Xew Eochelle, N. Y. Come home 
at once, your great, great grandfather just died." 

Blanche. The telegram was written at that desk. 

Mrs. Euggles. And to deceive iis for some purpose or 
other. 

Dora. [Brokenly.] Oh, Bobby! Bobby! Arid I 
thought you unlike the others ! 

Walter. [From ivithout l., calling.] Blanche ! Oh, 
Blanche ! 

Jefferson. [Off l., calling.] Lulu! Lulu, my dear ! 

Mrs. Euggles. They're coming! [Returns blotter and 



54 HER GLOVES 

mifror to Dora.] Let me see no weakening! We must 
be firm ! Firm ! 

[Enter Walter, door l. 1, followed hy Jefferson, both 
with legal documents in hands.] 

Jefferson. Oh, here you are. 

Walter. [With sarcasm.'] Holding a council of war, 
I suppose. 

Mrs. Ruggles. And 3^ou'll find us l)etter armed than 
ever before. 

Dora. [Crossing to l. 1, and holding up mirror and 
blotter. Brokenly.] Oh, Walter ! Dad ! [Of l. 1.] 

Jefferson. [Puzzled.] What's the matter with the 
girl? 

Blanche. [At door l. 1.] We know all about Bobby's 
grandfather, and the alleged joke you played on us. 
[Exits l. 1.] 

Walter. [Puzzled.] Joke, joke? 

Jefferson. [Business.] Grandfather ? 

Mrs. Ruggles. [.4^ door l. 1, dramatically.] New- 
blotters tell no lies ! [Exits ojf.] 

Walter and Jefferson. [Lool at each other.] 

Walter. [Repeating.] Blotters? 

Jefferson. Lies ? 

Walter. [Suddenly.] Now I know I When I blot- 
ted that telegram — 

Jefferson. It left a copy on the blotter. [Biiterhi.] 
Oh, you're a smart one ! 

Walter. [Disconsolately.] Was there ever such ill 
luck? [To Jefferson.] What can we do? 

Jefferson. [Whining.] Tell the truth, tlie whole 
truth and nothing but the — 

Walter. [Up.] Would you break your promise to 
the lady? 



HER GLOVES 55 

Jefferson. Xow see liere, old chap, my promise to 
the lady has got me deep enough in the mire. It's time 
the lady did something for me. I'm going to make a 
clean breast of it. 

Walter. [Sorroiv fully.] Too bad we didn't think of 
that in the first place. 

[Enter Charley Brooks, hurriedly through window, a 
legal document in hand.] 

Charley. You're a nice crowd. 

Walter. What's the matter now? 

Charley. [Handing him jmper.] Look at what's 
been handed me. 

Jefferson. You've got nothing on us. We had ours 
ten minutes ago. 

Charley. [Surprised.] Then you're in the same 
boat? 

Jefferson. [Sadly.] And likely to sink with you. 

Walter. [Patting him on harl\] Charley, my boy, 
keep a stiff upper lip and you'll — 

[Enter Blanche l. 1, followed by Mrs Ruggles, each 
carrying a large bundles of letters.'] 

Blanche. [Marching deliberately to Walter and 
forcing bundle of letters in his hand.] Take back youi' 
letters! [Then removing ring from finger and handing 
to him.] And the wedding ring I [Then solemnly over 
to L. 1.] 

Mrs. Ruggles. [Handing Jefferson ring.] Here's 
the ring and here — [Handing him bundle of letters] your 
letters. [Then solemnly over to L. 1.] 

Blanche and Mrs. Ruggles. [To Charley. Point- 
ing at him.] It was you! You, who broke up this once 



66 HEB GLOVES 

happy home ! IThen burying eyes in handkerchiefs, exit 
off L. 1, loudly sobbing.] 

Charley, [Staggered.] Wh&t — me? 

Walter and Jefferson. [Together. Brokenly.] 
Yes — you ! 

Charley. Why, I didn't know the first thing about 
it all until — 

Walter. [Sharply.] Well, it's got to be somebody's 
fault— 

Jefferson. And it might as well be yours. 

[Enter Mrs. Euggles and Blanche, note-books in hand, 

cautiously, door c, each getting behind screens, 

either side of door.] 

Charley. [Seriously.] Now see here, fellows. With 
all my troubles, I had a bit of luck yesterday. 

Jefferson. I'm glad to hear someone's had something. 

Charley. Goldfield, the horse that won the last race 
at Brighton, was later disqualified by the stewards so 
that I won heavily on a twenty to one shot. 

Walter. But how does that help? 

Charley. Don't you see? My wife wouldn't holler 
a bit about my being at the races — so long as I won a pot. 

Jefferson. Just like Lulu! 

Walter. [Cautiously looking around.] And you want 
us to square you — 

Charley. About that yacht story. 

Walter. But in the meantime, what's to become of 
me? 

Jefferson. [Adding.] Of us — [Piqued.] Don't al- 
ways leave me out of it. 

Charley. [Suddenly.] Listen! Wliat was that? 
* Jefferson. I heard nothing. 

Walter. [Up to window, looks off.] It's Bobby! 



HEE GLOVES 5/ 

[Enter Slocum, from window, holding up skirts, his hat 
and wig being awry.] 

Slocum. Oh, what a night I've had ! 

Mrs. Ruggles and Blanche. [Now looking over 
screen, take iiotes.] 

Jefferson. You've had nothing on the rest of us. 

Walter. [To Slocum.] Where have you been? 

Slocum. I passed last night in the loft of Bradley's 
stable. [Sadly.] And oh ! what a night it was. 

Walter. [Incredulously.] Slept in the barn? 

Jefferson. I can't believe it. 

Slocum. [Sorrowfully.] Well, if you'd have seen the 
things I saw — [Loudly.] I swear there were a thousand 
rats! 

Mrs. Ruggles and Blanche. [Both give a shriek.] 
Where? Where? [Quickly behind screens.] 

Jefferson and Walter. [Staggered — then wildly 
looking about.] My wife's voice! [Quickly go to doors 
L. 1, look ojf.] Not here ! [Then to l. 3, look ojf.] Not 
here. 

Charley. [Nervously.] I heard nothing. 

Jefferson. [Worried.] Can it be I am going in- 
sane? 

Walter. [To Slocum.] I'm sorry for you, Bobby. 

Slocum. [Sadly.] An3^way, it's all your fault. 
[Points at Charley.] 

Charley. My fault again? 

Jefferson. [Cautiously looking off l. 1.] Take care, 
the women are liable to overhear you. 

Walter. Yes, yes, we must be more careful. [To 
Slocum.] You'll have to get out of that rig and come 
back here and square yourself. [To Jefferson.] Here, 
old man, see Bobby gets some of your clothing. 



5S HER GLOVES 

Jepferson. [At door l. 3.] Yes, yes, this way, my 
boy. [Off L. 3.] 

Slocum. Let me understand this. Square myself, 
you say? 

Walter. Yes — square yourself ! Dora 's found out 
everything. 

Slocum. Foutid out everything? What do you mean? 

Walter. I mean that she — 

Charley. [Who has moved to window. Starting lacTc.'] 
Great scott ! my wife ! — 

Walter. [Staggered.'] Your wife? And coming here? 

Charley. At a mile-a-minute clip. 

Walter. [Quichly over to R. 1.] Here, quick — get out 
of the way. 

Charley. [At door r. 1.] Thanks, old chap; — and 
you'll do all you can for me ? 

Walter. Leave everything to me. 

Charley. Thanks. [Off r. 1.] 

Slocum. [Who has been nervously pacing floor.] And 
what about me ? 

[Enter Jefferson frorn l. S, carrying coat and trousers 

on his or/??.] 

Jefferson. IVe been waiting for you. Here, jump 
into these. 

Slocum. [Grabbing them.] That's the ticket. [At 
door l. 3.] You're a prince. [Off.] 

Jefferson. I'm a fool, I know. [To Walter.] What's 
up now? 

Walter. [In loud whispers.'] Mrs. Brooks this time. 

Jefferson. [Starts.] 

[Enter Mrs. Brooks, angrily, through window.] 

Mrs. Brooks. I'm so glad you're both here. 

Walter. What's happened, madam? 



HER GLOVES Sd 

Mrs. Brooks. I've sued Charley for divorce. 

Jefferson, [hi assumed surpnse.] No? 

Mrs. Brooks. And I neglected to get the name of that 
co-respondent. 

Walter. Dear Mrs. Brooks, hadn't you better recon- 
sider the matter ? 

Mrs. Brooks. [Surprised.'] After what transpired 
last evening? [Folding arms.] Reconsider nothing! 

Walter. Yes, yes, madam; but supposing your hus- 
band is innocent? 

Mrs. Brooks. That would be supposing a great deal. 

Walter. Just imagine if we could prove to you he had 
absolutely nothing whatever to do with the whole affair ! 

Jefferson. Hadn't so much as set foot on the yacht! 

Mrs. Brooks. [Loolcing from one to the other.] But 
he told me — 

Walter. A lot of things to help us out. 

Mrs. Brooks. [Puzzled.] To help you out? 

Jefferson. [Sadly.] Yes. 

Walter. [Looking around before speaking. Then con- 
fidentially.] I'll tell you. But we don't want our wives to 
know. 

Mrs. Ruggles and Blanche. [Now look over screen, 
with hands to ears to catch every word.] 

Walter. [To Mrs. Brooks.] We had an actress on 
board the yacht 3^esterday. 

Mrs. Ruggles and Blanche. [Aside.] An actress! 
[Both down.] 

Walter. [Looking around before speaking.] She left 
a pair of gloves on board, and we've had our own time 
trying to satisfactorily explain matters. 

Jefferson. Without telling the truth. 

Mrs. Brooks. I should imagine so. But my husband ? 

Walter. Was innocently drawn into the affair. 



60 HEE GLOVES 

Mrs. Brooks. But that awful woman ! 

Walter. Is really no woman at all. 

Jefferson. [Confidentially — cliucMing gleefully.'] My 
future son-in-law in disguise. 

Mrs. Ruggles and Blanche. [Bol up from behind 
screens. Aside.] Bobby Slocum, eh? The scoundrel! 
[QuicJcly doiun again.] 

Mrs. Brooks. But my husband told a falsehood. 
Stated he would be detained at the office — 

Walter. Instead of which he went to the races. 

Mrs. Brooks. Races ! 

[Enter Charley Brooks from r. 1, a roll of bills in each 

hand.] 

Charley. And won five hundred dollars ! 

Mrs. Brooks. [Staggered.] Charley ! [Recovering.] 
Then why didn't you explain matters in the first place? 

Charley. Because in the first place I was a loser. 
It was only after the stewards disqualified the winner 
that I— 

Mrs. Brooks. [Affected.] Had I but known ! Charley, 
can you forgive me ? 

Charley. In a minute ! [Holding out legal docu- 
ment.] But what about this blamed thing — can I tear 
it up? 

Mrs. Brooks, [^¥armly.] With all my heart! 

Charley. [Tears document in two, throwing particles 
over head, then luith arms outstretched.] Elizabeth! 

Mrs. Brooks. [In his arms.] Charley! 

Jefferson. Bless you, my children, bless you ! 

[Toot of automobile horn heard of r.] 

Walter. [To Mrs. Brooks.] Remember — our wi^es 
are not to know. 



HER GLOVES 61 

Mrs. Brooks. Not a word, as far as I'm concerned. 
[To Charley.] Come dear, we'll have to call at the 
lawyer's. 

Charley. You're right! — and put a stop to that suit. 
[To others.] Bye, bye, boys, and good luck! [Arm in 
arm with Mrs. Brooks, exits through window.'] 

Jefferson. [Disconsolately.] Well, there's one lucky 
man in the world, after all. 

Walter. [Is at tvindow, leaving handkerchief after 
Charley and Mrs. Brooks.] 

[Toot of automobile horn heard again.] 

Walter. [Starts.] By Jove ! — the actress ! 

Jeffersox. Eh ? You don't mean, it ! 

Walter. [Looks off.] I wonder what's brought her 
back? [Quickly over to l. 1.] 

Jefferson. [Nervously paces floor.] 

[Enter Valeska Bijou, stylishly gowned, through 

window.'] 

Yaleska. [Espying Walter.] Mr. Dillingham! 
[Throics her arms about him.] Oh, I'm so glad to see you. 

Walter and Jefferson. [Business.] 

Mrs. Ruggles and Blanche. [Look over screens and 
hurriedly make notes.] 

Jefferson. [Nervously.] What's up now? 

Yaleska. [Turning to Jefferson.] Oh, you poor old 
man! [Hysterically throws arms about his neck.] 

Jefferson. [Business.] Help ! Help ! [Aside.] If 
my wife should see me now ! 

Walter. [Nervously glancing about.] What brought 
you here? 

Yaleska. [Recovering.] It's a matter of life and 
death for all of us ! 

All. [Business.] 



62 HEK GLOVES 

Jefferson. [Repeating.] Life and death? 

Valeska. My husband is furious; and though I told 
the truth, he refused to believe me. And as he's liable to 
pay you a visit, I've come to put you on your guard. 
[Dramatically.] Don't lie to him, — please don't lie to 
him. He may kill us all if you do. 

Jefferson and Walter. [Business.] 

Mrs. Kuggles and Blanche. [QuicMy down behind 
sc7'eens.] 

Jefferson. Pleasant prospects, I must say. 

A^ALESKA. Now, if I could only recover my — 

Walter. [To Jefferson.] Quick ! — the parasol ! 
It's in the back room. 

Jefferson. [Excitedly.] Yes, yes ! [Exits hur- 
riedly l. 1.] 

AYalter. [To Valeska.] I'll have your gloves in a 
minute. 

Valeska. Oh, I'm so glad. 

Walter. [.4^ door l. 3. Calling to him.] Bobby ! oh, 
Bobby ! let me have those gloves, please. 

Slocum. [From wUhin.] Eight away. 

[Enter Jefferson from l. 1 with parasol.] 

Jefferson. [Handing to Valeska.] Your parasol. 
[Bows low.] 
Valeska. Thank you so much. 

[Eiiter Eobert Slocum from l. 3, loearing an ill-fitting 
pair of trousers, loose vest, no collar, and the lady's wig.] 

Slocum. Here you are. [Hands Walter gloves.] 
Mrs. Euggles and Blanche. [Look over screen, ex- 
change glances — then down agaiii.] 

Walter. [Taking them and handing to Valeska.] 
Your gloves. [Bows low.] 



HER GLOVES 63 

l^Door-hell rings helow.^ 

Walter. [To Slocum.] And now you'd better get 
out of here. 

Slocum. [Indignantly.] Why, — what's the matter? 

Jeffersox. Better look in a mirror. 

Slocum. [Placing hand to head, and, discovering wig, 
snatches it off.] I forgot that ! [Exits off l. 3.] 

Valeska. [Nervously. ] Supposing it should be my 
husband ? 

Jefferson. I hope it isn't! 

Walter. [Ushering her to R. 1.] Better step in here 
until — 

Valeska. [Quickly.] — He's gone ! Yes, yes, — a 
good idea ! [Off r. 1.] 

[Enter Jim Ryan door c] 

Ryan. [Boisterously.] Ah, gentlemen, glad to find 
you at home. I didn't have time to ask you any questions 
last night on account o' havin' to make that train for the 
night show; but I've come back — [Roaring] — I've come 
back — 

Jefferson. Yes; — we see you're back. 

Ryan. I've come without her knowin' a thing erbout it. 
I'm after perticulars. Now, then, what was she doin' on 
that yacht ? 

Walter. So she told you that, did she ? 

Ryan. Yes, and a whole lot o' other things. But I'm 
not as easy as I look. 

Walter. Your wife came here to look over some lots 
which I own on Pleasure Island, in the middle of Long 
Island Sound. 

Ryan. [Anxiously.] Yes, yes. 

Walter. She said she wanted to make you a birthday 
present, and thought to surprise you. 



64 HEB GLOVES 

Eyan. I'm clean knocked off my pins. 

Walter. She pledged us to secrecy ab.out the entire 
matter, and that's what landed us in all this trouble. 

Jeffersox. No ; — it was the gloves did that. 

Eyax. [Looking from one to the other.'] Say, — that's 
the very tale she spun to me. It sounded like a false 
alarm, — but, dang me, if it ain't sixteen-carat after all ! 

Walter. I'm to deliver the deeds on the first of the 
month. 

Eyan. The day before my birthday ! Well, what do 
you know erbout that? I'll have to square myself — sure 
thing ! 

Walter. That can be easily done. [^Opens door R. 1.] 
Here she is ! 

{^Enter Valeska Bijou r. 1.] 

Eyan. \}Vith arms outstretched.] Yaleska ! [Em- 
braces her.] Say, — I deserve a horse-whippin'. 

Jeffersox. [Whiiiing.] But what about us ? 

Walter. [To Eyax.] You've got to help us out. 

Mrs. Euggles axd Blaxche. [Look over screens.] 

Eyan. Sure thing! What's der spiel? 

Walter. It wouldn't do to tell Blanche the truth about 
the yachting trip. 

Jeffersox. Decidedly not. That real estate deal would 
strike Lulu as decidedly untruthful. 

Walter. [Quickly.] 1 have it! [To Eyax.] You 
can explain to the women you accompanied your wife with 
a view to buying the blamed yacht and that you bound us 
to secrecy to keep it out of the papers. 

Jeffersox. Yes; — but you've already told them 
Charley Brooks — 

Walter. Oh, we've told them so many things one more 
story won't make any difference. 



HEB GLOVES 65 

Ryan. 1^11 stand fer anything you say. 
Walter. Good ! [To Jefferson.] Ring that bell ! 
Jefferson. [Gleefully pulls bell-cord.] Thank good- 
ness, we're near out of this. 

[Enter Dora door l. 1.] 

Dora. Did you ring, papa ? 

Walter. Summon the ladies — they shall know the 
truth. 

Mrs. Ruggles. [Loohing over screen.] We know the 
truth already ! 

Walter and Jefferson. [Thunderstruck — turn and 
learn the truth.] Blanche ! Lulu ! 

Mrs. Ruggles and Blanche. [Coming out from he- 
hind sc7'eens.] We heard everything. 

Slocum. [Out from l. 3, and unseen hy others, takes 
long strides and exits off door c] 

Jefferson. Good gracious ! 

Mrs. Ruggles. So there's no need of telling a falsehood. 

Blanche. But why didn't you tell the truth in the 
first place? 

Jefferson and Walter. [Sheepishly looking at each 
other.] Why didn't we? 

Jefferson. [Sorroiufully to othei-s.] Because we were 
afraid. 

Walter. Too cowardly! 

Mrs. Ruggles. And suffered, in consequence. 

[Enter Robert Slocum hurriedly door c] 

Slocum. Hello, everybody ! Well, I got back ! 

Mrs. Ruggles. [Sharply.] You villain! You never 
even went away ! 

Slocum. [Indignantly.] Never went away? Why, 
my great-great-grandfather — 



66 HEE GLOVES 

Dora. [Holds up mirror and blotter for him to read.] 

Slocum. [Realizing truth.] Hamlet's ghost ! 

Dora. [Laughingly.] A dead give away, Bobby ! 

Slocum. [Sheepishly.] Well, say, — I admit it. I 
plead guilty with, the rest of them. 

Walter. [To Blanche and Mrs. Euggles.] Can you 
forgive us? [Holds out legal document.] 

Mrs. Euggles. [Reluctantly.] Well, — on the one con- 
dition we all move back to town. 

Walter. [Enthusiastically.] Agreed! 

Mrs. Euggles and Blanche. [Quichly talcing legal 
documents and tearing in tivo.] 

Walter. Blanche ! [Embraces her.] 

Jefferson. [Embracing Mrs. Euggles.] Lulu ! 

Slocum. [Embracing Dora.] Dora ! 

Ryan. [Observing others. To Valeska.] We might 
just as well get in on this, too. [With outstretched arms.] 
Valeska! [All are embracing as 

curtain descends.] 



^'^T^'*"^ 



Uncle Rube 

An Original Homestead Play in Four Acts 

By CHARLES TOWNSEND 

The Finest Rural Drama Ever Published 



Price, 25 cents 



CHARACTERS 
RUBEN RODNEY (Uncle Rube), Justice of the Peace, School 
^^ATnk'''S?r'^^T''#^x^'' ^^""^ at -swappin' bosses". . . .Character lead 
blMUJN bAlARLEY, a Smooth and cunning- old villain 

nr A T^V-' 'i-' ■-■ : Character heavy 

?.n^T^nAT'^^l°IV^ pronriisin? young rascal Straight heavy 

GORDON GRAY, a popular young artist Juvenile lead 

UPSON ASTERBILT, an up-to-date New York dude... ... 

,T^„": •••;•.• •• .■ • Character comedy 

IKE, the hired man. "I want ter know:" Eccentric 

SJr^r *^™^^^? comical young rustic Low comedy 

BILL TAPPAN. a country constable Comedy 

JlJfi'"^^'^^^'^ ^^^- "^^^ pretty school teacher" Juvenile lady 

nffl^^,?^^*^^^'^"^'^ BUNN, a charming widow Character comedv 

1 AGGb, a waif from New York Soubrette 

Time— Mid Autumn. Place— Vermont. 

Time of playing— Two hours and a quarter. 

SYNOPSIS 
ACT I. The Old Plomestead. Uncle Rube arrives. 
ACT IL The Constable's office. The plot to ruin Uncle Rube. 
ACT III. Evening at the old farm. Uncle Rube is arrested. 
ACT IV. The Constable's office again. The old farmer wins! 

This play was v/ritten by one of the most popular of American 
dramatists, whose works have sold by the hundreds of thousands. 
One of the best plays of its class ever written. Splendid characters 
Powerful climaxes. Bright wit. Merry humor. Verv easy to pro- 
duce. Requires only three scenes. No shifts of scenerv during any 
act. Costumes all modern. No difficult properties required. 

THE AUTHOR'S OPINIONj 

MR. TOWNSEND says of this drama: "I consider that 'L^ncle 
Rube' is far superior to any play depicting country life that I have 
yet written." 



This is the play for everybodj- — amateurs as well as professionals. 
It can be produced on any sta^e, and pleases all classes, from the 
most critical city audiences to those of the smallest country towns. 
Printed directly from the author's acting cooy, with all the originai 
stage directions. 

Address Orders to 
THE DRAMATIC PUBLISHING COMPANY 

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 



A Woman^s Honor 

A Drama in Four Acts 

By JOHN A. FRASER 
Author of "A Noble Outcast," "Santiago," "Modem Ananias,** ^tc. 

Fticct 25 ^nts 

Seven male, three female characters. Plays two hours. For 
intense dramatic action, thrilling climaxes, uproarious comedy and 
a story of absorbing romantic interest, actors, either professional 
or amateur, will find few plays to equal "A Woman's Honor." 
With careful rehearsals they will find a sure hit is made every time 
without difllculty. 

CAST OF CHARACTERS 

General Mark Lester. A Hero of the Cuban Ten Years' War. .Lea-i 

Pedro Mendez. His half brother Heavy 

Dr. Garcia. Surgeon of the Madaline Straight 

Gilbert Hall, M. D. In love with Olive Juvenile 

Robert Glenn. A Wall Street Banker Old man 

Gregory Grimes. Lester's Private Secretary Eccentric Comedy 

Ebenezer. Glenn's Butler Negro Comedy 

Olive I Glenn's 1 Juvenile lead 

Sally ( Daughters | Soubrette 

Maria. Wife of Pedro Charaetei* 

NOTE. — Glenn and Garcia may double. 
Act 1. The Glenn Mansion, New York City. 

Act 2. The Isle of Santa Cruz, off San Domingo. One month 
later. 

Acts 3 and 4. Lester's home at Santa Cruz. Five months later. 
Between Acts 3 and 4 one day elapses. 

SYNOPSIS OF INCIDENTS 

Act 1. Handsome drawingroom at Glenn's. Sally and Ebenezer. 
"I isn't imputtinent, no. no. INlissy." "Papa can't bear Gregory 
Grimes, but I'm going to marry him, if I feel like it." "Going 
away?" "I was dizzy for a moment, that was all." "This mar- 
riage is absolutely necessary to prevent my disgrace." "General 
Lester, you are a noble man and I v/ill repay my father's debt of 
honor." "Robert Glenn is dead." 

Act 2. Isle of Santa Cruz. "Mark brings his American bride to 
his home today." "You and I and our child will be no better than 
servants." "How can I help but be happy with one so good and 
kind?" "It means that I am another man's wife." "Dat's mine; 
don't you go to readin' my lub lettahs in public." 

Act 3. Sitting-room in Lester's house. "What has happened?* 
"Is my husband safe?" "Break away, give your little brother a 
chance." "To tell the truth, my heart is breaking." "Debt of 
duty! and I was fool enough to think she loved me." 

Act 4. "The illness of the general has an ugly look." "The 
gossips have it she would rejoice to be rid of her husband." "The 
Gilbert Hall I loved is dead." "Standing on the brink of thtj grave, 
my vision is clearer." "Forgive, and I will devote my life to 
making you happy in order to repay the debt I owe you — a debt of 
honor." 

Addtzss Orders to 

THE DRAMATIC PUBLISHING COMPANY 

SP^CAGO, ILLINOIS 



Joe Ruggles 

OR 

THE GIRL MINER 

A Comedy Drama in Font Acts 

By FRANK J. DE A.N 
Price, 25 cents 

Nine male, three female characters. A. vigorous, stirring: play, 
depicting- peculiar types of life in a large city and in the mining 
districts of the West. -The parts of Joe Ruggles. the miner, Hans 
Von Bush (Dutch dialect), and Richard Hamilton, the scheming 
villain, all afford opportunity for clever work; while the part of 
Madge (soubrette), who afterwards assumes the character of Mark 
Lynch, is an excellent one for a bright young actress. 

Scenery — City street, showing R. R. Station; rocky pass, with 
eet cabins; a wood scene, and two plain interiors. Costumes of the 
^ay. Time of playing, two and a half hours. 

SYNOPSIS OF EVENTS 

ACT I— Entrance to Railroad Station 
Looking for a victim — Joe Ruggles — "Them galoots is worse than 
grizzlies" — "Morning papers" — Madge and Bess plying their trades — 
"Can't you sing Joe a song?" — Hamilton and his pal confer — Tom 
Howarth gains inportant information — "Don't you dare to lay 
hands on us!" — Hamilton tries to maintain his authority — "Who? 
Old Joe!" 

ACT II — Doomsday's Hotel, Dare-devil's Gulch, California 
The landlord secures a guest — Hans disappointed — "Dot is a mis- 
dake" — A ghost story — The "Kid and his sister" — "Did I hurt your 
highness?" — Hans and Doomsday have another talk — Kate Laurel 
meets the young miner — "Yah, dot vas vot I t'inks" — Madge's dis- 
guise penetrated — She recognizes an old enemy — "Now, George 
Smith, take your choice" — Joe Ruggles as a tramp — "Ef yer think 
yer can pick on me because I'm han'some ye'U find me ter hum" — 
Hamilton appears — "Those two youngsters are mine" — The tra-mp 
takes a hand. 

ACT III — "^ood Scene 
A lively ghost — Hamilton and Smith plan more villainy — Old Joe 
thinks of turning Detective — Kate Laurel again — "There is a secret 
connected with my life" — Kate's confession — "What do you mean, 
sir?" — Tom Howarth once more — "Vos you looking for a hotel?" — ■ 
Planning an abduction — Old Joe as an Irishman — "Phat does yez 
want wid me?" — Undertakes to be a detective — Takes a han(? in 
the abduction — "Do it at your peril." 

ACT IV 

Hans hears, and tells, the latest news— "I nefer pelieved dot 
spook peesness" — Kate Laurel astonished — Hamilton attempts 
flight — "De poys haf got Mr. Hamilton, und dey vill gif him a 
necktie bartv" — Arrest of* Smith — "Get out mit my vay, I vas de 
United States Mail"— Tom meets his old friend under new circum- 
Btances — "Do you want me, Tom?" — Old Joe gives consent— 4 
happy ending. 

Address Orders to 
THE DRAMATIC PUBLISHING COMPANY 

CHICAGO. UXJNOIS 



Tht Spinsters^ Convention 

(The Original 
Old Maids' Convention) 



Price, 25 cents 



An evening's entertainment which is always a sure hit and 
a money-maker. Has been given many hundred times by 
schools, societies and churches, with the greatest success. An 
evening of refined fun. It requires from twehe to twenty 
ladies and two gentlemen, although ladies may take the two 
male parts. A raised platform with curtains at the back is 
all the stage requires, but a fully equipped opera stage may 
be utilized and to great advantage. 

Eidiculous old maid costumes, with all their frills and fur- 
belows, their cork-screw curls, mittens, work bags, bird cages, 
etc., are the proper costumes. Later on in the program some 
pretty young women in modern evening dress are required. 
The latter should each be able to give a number of a mis- 
cellaneous program, that is, be able to sing, play some instru* 
ment, dance, whistle or recite well. 

This entertainment utilizes all sorts of talent, and give^ 
each participant a good part. Large societies can give every 
member something tc do. 

SYNOPSIS 

Gathering of the Members of the Society— The Ro!l-Call — The 
Greeting Song — Minutes of the last meeting — Report of The Treas- 
urer — Music: '"Sack Waltz" — A paper on Woman's Rights — Song: 
"No One to Love, None to Caress." — Reading of "Marriage Statis- 
tics" — The Advent of the Mouse — Initiation of two Candidates into 
the Society — The Psalm of Marriage — Secretary's Report on Eligible 
Men — A Petition to Congress — Original Poem by Betsy Bobbett— 
Song: "Why Don't the Men Propose?" — Report of The Vigilance 
Committee — An Appeal to the Bachelors — Prof. Make-over ~^]rQ 
Remodelscope. -Testimonials — The Transformation and a .'tii<sc«1- 
laneous program. 

Address Orders to 
THE DRAMATIC PUBLISHING COMPANY 

CHICAGO, ILLtt^OIS 



Capt^ Racket 

A Comedy in Three Acts 

By CHARLES TOWNSEND 



Price, 25 cents 



This play by Mr Townsend is probably one of his most popular 
productions; it certanily is one of his best. It is full of action from 
start to finish Comic situations rapidly follow one after another 
and the act endings are especially strong and lively. Every char- 
acter is good and affords abundant opportunity for effective work 
Can be played by five men and three women if desired The 
same scene is used for ail the acts, and it is an easv interior A 
most excellent play for repertoire companies. No 'seeker for a 
good play can afford to ignore it. 

CHARACTERS 

CAPT. ROBERT RACKET, one of the National Guard. A lawyer 

when he has nothing else to do, and a liar all the time 

Comedy lead 

OBADIAH DAWSON, his uncle, from Japan, "where they make 
*^^ Comedy old man 

TIMOTHY TOLMAN, his friend, who married for money and is 
sorry for it Juvenile man 

MR. DALROY, his father-in-law, jolly old cove Eccentric 

HOBSON, waiter from the "Cafe Gloriana," who adds to the 
confusion Utility 

CLARICE, the Captain's pretty wife, out for a lark, and up to 
"anything awful" Comedy lead 

MRS. TOLMAN, a lady with a temper, who finds her Timothy a 
vexation of spirit Old woman 

KAT Y, a mischievous maid Soubrette 

TOOTSY, the "Kid," Tim's olive branch Props. 

SYNOPSIS 

Act I. Place: Tim's country home on the Hudson near New 
York. Time: A breezy morning in September. The Captain's 
lancy takes a flight and trouble begins. 

Act II. Place: the same. Time: the next morning. How one 
yarn requires another. "The greatest liar unhung." Now the 
trouble increases and the Captain prepares for war. 

Act III. Place: the same. Time: Evening of the same day. 
More misery. A general muddle. "Dance or you'll die." Cornered 
at last. The Captain owns up. All serene. 

Time of playing: Two hours. 

Address Orders to 

THE DRAMATIC PUBLISHING CX)MPANY 

CHICAGO. ILLINOIS 



Because I Love You 

Drama in Fout Acts 

By JOHN A. ERASER 

Author of "A Woman's Honor," "A Noble Outcast," "A Modem 

Ananias," "Santiago," etc. 

Price, 25 cents 

Eight male, four female characters. Plays two hours. Modem 
costumes. This is probably the strongest drama written of the 
modern romantic style. It is a pure love story and its sentiment 
and pathos are of the sterling, honest kind which appeals to every 
man and woman with a human heart. The stage business will be 
found extremely novel, but easily accomplished. The climaxes are 
all new and tremendously effective. One climax especially has 
never been surpassed. 

CAST OF CHARACTERS 

Imogene Courtleigh. Wilful, wayward and wealthy Juvenile lead 

Ginger. A Gypsy waif Soubrette 

Nance Tyson. Her supposed mother Character 

Prudence Freeheart. A poor relation Old maid comedy 

Horace Verner. An artist and accidentally a married man 

Juvenile lead 

Dick Potts. His chum and incidentally in love with Ginger 

Eccentric comedy 

Ira Courtleigh. Imogene's guardian Heavy 

Buck Tyson. A Gypsy tinker Character comedy 

Elmer Van Sittert. Anglomaniac, New Yorker Dude comedy 

Major Duffy. County Clerk and Confederate veteran 

Irish comedy 

Squire Ripley. A Virginia landlord Character old man 

Lige. A gentleman of color Negro character 

Note: Squire Ripley and Van Sittert may double. 

SYNOPSIS OF SCENES 

Act 1. "The George Washington." a country tavern in old Vir- 
ginia. An impromptu wedding. "When I was on the boards at 
Did Pott's theayter." "Horace has fallen in love and has done 
nothing but rave about her ever since." "The marriage ceremony 
performed, I depart, and you will make no attempt ever to see me 
again." "Except at your own request, never!" 

Act 2. Lovers' Leap, a Blue Mountain precipice. A daring res- 
rue. "Gold does not always purchase happiness, lady." "Do you 
ever feel the need of a faithful friend?" "I do, I do, I'm thinking of 
buying a bulldog." "Look at the stride of him, and Imogene 
Bitting him as if he w^ere a part of herself." Within twenty feet 
of certain death. "Gone? Without even my thanks for such a 
deed of desperate heroism?" 

Act. 3. The Courtleigh Place. A woman's folly. "And you say 
his father was a gentleman?" "I have already refused to sign the 
document." "Stand back, she is my wife." 

Act. 4. The "Mountain Studio." "You're too good to let that 
French girl get you." "I struck him full in the face and the chal- 
lenge followed." "You will not meet this man, dear love?" "It 
shall, at least, be blow for blow." "I'll release you from your 
promise. Fight that man," "I'm the happiest man In old VIt' 
jjijiia, because you love me." 

Address Orders to ' 
THE DRAMATIC PUBLISHING COMPANY 

CHICAGC. ILLINOIS 



One copy del. to Cat. Div. 



^^-'^ -^^ IS to 



Hageman^s Make-Up Book 

By MAURICE HAGEMAN 

Price» 25 cents 

The importance of an effective make-up is becoming more appar- 
ent to the professional actor every year, but hitherto there has been 
no book on the subject describing the modern methods and at the 
same time covering all branches of the art. This want has now 
been filled. Mr. Hageman has had an experience of twenty years 
as actor and stage-manager, and his well-known literary ability has 
enabled him to put the knowledge so gained into shape to be of 
use to others. The book is an encyclopedia of the art of making up. 
Every branch of the subject is exhaustively treated, and few ques- 
tions can be asked by professional or amateur that cannot be an- 
swered by this admirable hand-book. It is not only the best make- 
up book ever published, but it is not likely to be superseded by 
any other. It is absolutely indispensable to every ambitious actor. 

CONTENTS 

Chapter I. General Remarks. 

Chapter II. Grease-Paints, their origin, components and use. 

Chapter III. The IVIake-up Box. Grease-Paints, Mirrors, Face 
Powder and Puff, Exora Cream, Rouge. Liquid Color, Grenadine, 
Blue for the Eyelids, Brilliantine for the Hair, Nose Putty, Wig 
Paste, Mascaro. Crape Hair, Spirit Gum, Scissors, Artists' Stomps, 
Cold Cream. Cocoa Butter, Recipes for Cold Cream. 

Chapter IV. Preliminaries before Making up; the Straight Make- 
up and how to remove it. 

Chapter V. Remarks to Ladies. Liquid Creams, Rouge, Lips, 
Eyebrows, Eyelashes, Character Roles, Jewelry, Removing Make-up. 

Chapter VI. Juveniles. Straight Juvenile Make-up, Society 
Men, Young Men in 111 Health, with Red Wigs, Rococo Make-up, 
Hands, Wrists, Cheeks, etc. 

Chapter VII. Adults, Middle Aged and Old Men. Ordinary Type 
of Manhood, Lining Colors, Wrinkles, Rouge, Sickly and Healthy 
Old A^e, Ruddy Complexions. 

Chapter VIII. Comedy and Character Make-ups. Comedy Ef- 
fects, Wigs. Beards. Eyebrows, Noses, Lips, Pallor of Death. 

Chapter IX. The Human Features. The Mouth and Lips, the 
Eyes and Eyelids, the Nose, the Chin, the Ear, the Teeth. 

Chapter X. Other Exposed Parts of the Human Anatomy. 

Chapter XI. Wigs, Beards, Moustaches, and Eyebrows. Choosing: 
a Wig, Powdering the Hair, Dimensions for Wigs, Wig Bands, Bald 
Wigs, Ladies' Wigs, Beards on Wire, on Gauze, Crape Hair, Wool, 
Beards for Tramps, Moustaches, Eyebrows. 

Chapter XII. Distinctive and Traditional Characteristics. North 
American Indians, New England Farmers, Hoosiers, Southerners, 
Politicians, Cowboys, Minors, Quakers, Tramps, Creoles, Mulattoes, 
Quadroons, Octoroons, Negroes, Soldiers during War, Soldiers dur- 
ing Peace, Scouts, Pathfinders, Puritans, Early Dutch Settlers, 
Englishmen, Scotchmen, Irishmen, Frenchmen, Italians, Spaniards, 
Portuguese, South Americans, Scandinavians, Germans, Hollanders. 
Hungarians, Gipsies, Russians, Turks, Arabs, Moors, Cafflrs, Abys- 
sinians, Hindoos, Malays, Chinese, Japanese, Clowns and Statuary. 
He'^rews, Drunkards, Lunatics, Idiots, Misers, Rogues. 

Address Orders to 
THE DRAMATIC PUBLISHING COMPANY 

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 



S^''^ ^^ CONGRESS 



PLAi^^ 




482 373 1 



And Entertainment Books. 

^EING the largest theatrical booksellers in 
V^ the United States, we keep in stock the most 
complete and best assorted lines of plays and en- 
tertainment books to be found anywhere. 

We can supply any play or book pub- 
lished. We have issued a catalogue of the best 
plays and entertainment books published in 
America and England. It contains a full 
description of each play, giving number of char- 
acters, time of playing, scenery, costumes, etc. 
This catalogue will be sent free on application. 

The plays described are suitable for ama- 
teurs and professionals, and nearly all of them 
may be played free of royalty. Persons inter- 
ested m dramatic books should examine our cat- 
alogue before ordering elsewhere. 

We also carry a full line of grease paint? 
face powders, hair goods, and other "make-up'* 
materials. 

The Dramatic Publishing Company 
CHICAGO 



LIBRARY OF CON^^^^^ 

018 482 373 1 f 



